Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
What: Annual Volunteer Recognition Event honoring American Red Cross of Northern Nevada volunteers
When: Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: National Automobile Museum, 1 Museum Dr., Reno, NV
RENO, Nev. (April 24, 2026) — The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada will honor Red Cross volunteers at the annual Volunteer Recognition Event on Saturday, April 25. Held on the final day of National Volunteer Week, the event will recognize 14 volunteers for exceptional service and the work of the more than 500 Red Cross volunteers across Northern and Rural Nevada.
National Volunteer Week celebrates those who dedicate their time to helping others through volunteer service. In Northern Nevada, Red Cross volunteers help families after home fires, support preparedness efforts, assist military families and respond to disasters in Nevada and across the country.
“This event is a chance to stop and recognize the work of volunteers that is often done without much attention,” said Bridget Posson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “Our volunteers show up prepared, take on hard assignments and help people through some very difficult moments.”
18,000 Hours Helping Communities Across Northern Nevada
Over the past year, Northern Nevada volunteers contributed more than 18,000 hours helping people in their communities and supporting Red Cross work across the region. In 2025, they responded to 85 home fires in Northern and Rural Nevada, assisted 271 people, installed more than 1,500 free smoke alarms and deployed to every major disaster response nationwide.
Honoring Exceptional Volunteer Leadership
During this year’s event, Maureen Koski of Reno will receive the Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership. Named for Red Cross founder Clara Barton, the award is one of the highest honors given to volunteers and recognizes Maureen’s commitment and the work she has done in the community.
“Maureen is an incredible leader, teacher and humanitarian,” Posson said. “From teaching children the importance of preparedness to driving our Emergency Response Vehicle across the country to help people after disasters, her work has made a real difference in the community.”
Maureen has deployed 14 times to major disasters, including driving the Northern Nevada Chapter’s Emergency Response Vehicle from Reno to Houston and from Reno to New York to support Red Cross relief efforts.
ERVs are a key part of Red Cross disaster response, delivering hot meals, water and essential supplies directly to communities affected by disasters. These vehicles can reach hard-to-access areas and deliver critical supplies and support directly to residents. Trained ERV drivers are essential to disaster relief efforts, ensuring the Red Cross can respond quickly and effectively to emergencies.
Volunteer Opportunities
Red Cross volunteers support the organization’s humanitarian mission across the country. They respond to disasters, assist with blood drives, support military families and help communities prepare for and recover from emergencies. To learn more about how to get involved, visit redcross.org/volunteer.
Saturday’s awardees include:
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
