SOUTH CAROLINA, August 17, 2022 – Ahead of World Humanitarian Day this Friday, August 19, two local Red Crossers were honored at the American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington D.C. on August 4 for exceptional contributions to the organization. Janet McPhail, a long-time Red Cross volunteer from Anderson, received the Presidential Award for Excellence: Training Services, and Kevin Kirby, Senior Gift Planning Officer from Charleston, received the Presidential Award for Excellence: Humanitarian Services.

"These prestigious awards were presented to two deserving individuals who demonstrate our fundamental principles of humanity and voluntary service every day," said Rod Tolbert, Regional Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross of South Carolina. "Both Kevin and Janet are shining examples of the Red Cross mission in action; their contributions help prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. I could not be prouder to have two of our own representing the South Carolina Region on the national stage."

Janet has been a dedicated Red Crosser for over 22 years, working nearly full-time hours as a volunteer with Training Services. Despite the pandemic, Janet taught 81 classes attended by 606 students in just one year. Whether mentoring, teaching, evaluating or rolling out new courses, Janet's willingness to give her time and knowledge has significantly impacted the success of Training Delivery. She truly demonstrates that volunteers are the heart and soul of the American Red Cross.

Kevin Kirby has become a trusted resource for donors, colleagues, and the community over his 26 years of service. Kevin is the epitome of donor-centric and Red Cross-centric. The secret sauce to his success is his relentless focus on working with donors in a way that culminates in the best gift for the donor and the best gift for the Red Cross.

About the American Red Cross Presidential Awards for Excellence: The Presidential Award for Excellence is presented to an individual or group of American Red Cross employees or volunteers who demonstrate exceptional performance or service in support of the American Red Cross delivering on its multi-faceted mission. Nominees' actions must go beyond meeting organizational goals and expectations and be exemplary of the highest level of commitment to Red Cross values and the execution of superior service and performance that made an extraordinary contribution toward the successful delivery of the Red Cross mission.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.  The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/SC or @RedCrossSC

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