Volunteers, board members and staff of the American Red Cross Greater Kansas Chapter came together at their annual meeting to honor the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, energy and hearts to serving others.

The Red Cross embodies compassion, resilience and hope, and no part of the mission would be possible without extraordinary volunteers. Each of them has played a vital role in delivering relief, comfort and support when it was needed most.

Each award honors a different aspect of volunteerism: dedication, leadership, teamwork, innovation and unwavering compassion.

Board of Directors Exceptional Volunteer: Tim Foote

Tim exemplifies what it means to be a Red Cross volunteer. He doesn’t just serve; he leads, uplifts and inspires. His dedication shines through in every aspect of his work, embodying the organization’s core values: Compassionate, Collaborative, Creative, Credible, and Committed.

Tim’s ability to support his team, clients, and the broader community with empathy and integrity sets him apart. He continuously goes above and beyond, promoting diversity and inclusion within our chapter’s services, ensuring that every individual feels welcomed and valued. Whether responding to local disasters, mentoring new volunteers or supporting special events, Tim approaches every challenge with resilience and kindness.

His unwavering support of those in need, combined with his ability to listen deeply and understand the communities he serves, makes him an invaluable leader. His contributions have left an indelible mark not just within the Red Cross, but also across Sequoyah County, where his tireless work has established a strong, lasting presence.

Through his involvement with the local chamber of commerce, Tim has expanded our reach, building relationships that enhance our mission and open new doors for community engagement. He has helped shape partnerships and initiatives that make a real, lasting difference.

Disaster Services Exceptional Volunteer of the Year: Dee Wilson

Dee has been a pillar of the Red Cross for nearly 30 years. In that time, she has touched hearts, uplifted spirits and made a lasting impact on the people she serves. To say she has a diamond heart is no exaggeration; she shines with an authenticity and kindness that is truly rare.

She is original, selfless and always willing to lend a hand. Her ability to connect with people, foster relationships and create a supportive community makes her an invaluable part of the Red Cross team. And if you’ve ever had the pleasure of spending time with Dee, you know that her quick wit and humor can turn even the toughest days around.

Beyond her dedication to disaster relief, Dee embodies the essence of mentorship and leadership. When we discussed the challenges facing our newest staff members, she didn’t hesitate to volunteer herself to provide guidance, extend a helping hand and ensure that no one felt lost. Even though she didn’t personally know these individuals, her commitment to supporting others was unshaken, proving that her heart for service knows no boundaries.

Dee’s impact on our chapter and region is immeasurable. She has nurtured relationships, fostered engagement and strengthened our volunteer community in ways that cannot be overstated.

Service to Armed Forces Department Exceptional Volunteers of the Year: Dennis and Angela Wilhite

Angela has given more than 600 hours of her time in the past year alone, volunteering in the travel office of the Jack C. Montgomery VAMC in Muskogee. Her expertise and compassion have directly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of services provided to veterans. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed. She was recognized as CDCE Volunteer of the Quarter, a testament to her dedication and impact. But she didn’t stop there. Angela played an integral role in the Service to Armed Forces campaign, ensuring that returning employees felt welcomed and supported.

Together, Dennis and Angela also dedicate time every single day to assisting clients in disaster recovery, guiding individuals affected by fires, storms, or other emergencies through the difficult process of rebuilding their lives. They don’t just complete cases. They follow up, advocate, and ensure no one is left behind.

One particularly moving example of their compassion was when they encountered a woman who had lost everything in a fire. After their initial casework, they felt compelled to go the extra mile, checking back on her situation, making countless calls and securing access to vital local resources to help her recover.

Their commitment to veterans extends far beyond their daily responsibilities. Dennis and Angela have taken it upon themselves to guide veterans in enrolling in the Veterans Affairs My Healthy Vet program, making healthcare more accessible. They have also provided essential support, connecting veterans to service organizations that can further assist their needs.

Beyond their impact on individuals, Angela’s keen ability to improve processes and advocate for efficiency has directly strengthened the travel office at Jack C. Montgomery VAMC. Many of her ideas have been successfully implemented, benefiting veterans and staff alike.

Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership: Donna Hill.

This award is reserved for individuals whose dedication, expertise, and leadership truly embody the spirit of service and humanitarianism that Clara Barton herself demonstrated.

Donna’s commitment to the Red Cross mission is nothing short of extraordinary. She doesn’t just volunteer; she leads, uplifts and transforms lives. She is efficient, organized, and always ready to serve, stepping in with cheerful determination whenever and wherever she is needed.

Her role as shelter coordinator after the Stillwater fire is a testament to her selflessness. When faced with a scheduling conflict in Dallas/Fort Worth, she drove there, handled her obligations and then turned right around in the early morning to return to Stillwater because she knew people depended on her. That level of commitment is rare, and it speaks volumes about her unwavering sense of duty.

Donna’s ability to provide comfort and care in moments of crisis is unmatched. Whether supporting disaster-affected families, mentoring new volunteers, or guiding team members through the most challenging situations, she leads with grace, warmth, and wisdom. She doesn’t just support people — she creates meaningful connections, ensuring that everyone she encounters feels heard, valued and cared for.

Her leadership within our chapter’s volunteer engagement and duty officer programs has strengthened our ability to serve. Donna is the kind of person who tackles barriers head-on, finding solutions and ensuring that every challenge is met with clarity and compassion.

And beyond her professionalism, skill, and knowledge, Donna brings light and laughter to the toughest days. She makes people smile in moments of uncertainty, she offers mentorship with sincerity, and she never hesitates to step up when the mission calls.