By: Kaitlyn Connolly

As we continue to see a rising number of natural disasters around the globe, it’s important to note that the most dangerous threat still starts in your own home. Across the United States, the Red Cross responds to a home fire every eight minutes, providing comfort and addressing people’s urgent needs like food, shelter and recovery support. In the last year alone, the Red Cross North Carolina Chapter responded to a total of 2,599 home fires. Thousands of volunteers across the state answered the call day and night to help those in need. Around 535 of those families came out of the Sandhills chapter, with most of those calls being picked up by just four volunteers. Those four volunteers supported approximately 25% of all the home fire responses in North Carolina last year, with more than 550 fires answered by the four individuals. Those volunteers were recently recognized for their dedication with a challenge coin, a highly prestigious honor in the Red Cross.
 

Those four volunteers were:

Lori Nieves
Lori brings unwavering dedication and boundless energy to her volunteer work with the American Red Cross. As a member at the Chapter and Regional level, Lori plays a vital role in preparing communities for emergencies and guiding them through the aftermath of disasters. Whether she’s educating communities about home fire safety or providing compassionate casework for individuals affected by disaster events, Lori is always ready to serve. Known for her eclectic spirit and her habit of giving 110%, Lori exemplifies what it means to lead with both heart and action.

Vito Amoroso
Vito is known as the steady hand guiding his team through crisis response. A tireless leader, Vito brings volunteers together, trains new team members, and fosters a culture of inclusion and camaraderie. He is often the first face clients see during a home fire disaster, responding in the late hours of the night and early hours of the morning. He is always ready to provide support when it's needed most. Vito carries the weight of disaster response with quiet strength and pride, offering comfort and care to those enduring some of the darkest moments of their lives, and teaching others how to do the same. He is more than a leader—he is the standard set for the Disaster Action Team. Vito's contributions to the Sandhills Chapter are invaluable to the organization.

Margaret Grantonic
Margaret holds pivotal leadership roles within the Sandhills Chapter, serving as both the Disaster Action Team Manager and the Onboarding & Placement Lead. As a daily presence on the front lines of disaster response, Margaret leads by example—offering strength, organization, and compassion in equal measure. Margaret is also the first Chapter point of contact for all new volunteers. She ensures each individual is greeted with warmth and purpose, helping them find their place within the organization and feel comfortable with the endeavor of being a new volunteer. More than that, Margaret fosters an environment of mentorship and genuine friendship within our volunteer teams. Margaret's leadership and heart are integral to the strength of the Sandhills Chapter.

Steve Pippenger
Steve serves the American Red Cross with tireless dedication for both the Chapter and Regional level. Whether he’s responding to fire calls, or leading vehicle operations, Steve is a constant presence in both preparing for and responding to disasters. Alongside Vito, he sets the gold standard for what it means to serve on the Disaster Action Team. Steve plays a crucial regional role by managing the vehicle fleet and providing hands-on training for specialty vehicles across the entire state of North Carolina. Steve also brings a unique creative touch to his service as our dedicated photographer. From capturing professional headshots for volunteer profiles, to documenting special Red Cross events, Steve ensures volunteers and staff alike are seen and celebrated. His commitment, versatility, and passion leave an indelible mark on the organization and our people.
 

Thank you to these volunteers, and all our volunteers who relentlessly help our North Carolinians.