Local Red Cross Volunteers Honored For Their Work With The Organization

Local Red Cross volunteers were recognized and honored for their work with the organization at the American Red Cross North Central Ohio Chapter’s Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Dinner.

Executive Director Todd James says the annual event recognizes the tremendous efforts of Red Cross volunteers in their local communities every day.

“Whenever our communities call upon the Red Cross for help, our volunteers are there to answer that call,” James said.

“Providing relief, comfort and hope after a home fire or other disaster; installing new smoke alarms to protect homes and families; working behind the scenes to keep our day to day operations running smoothly; helping at blood drives to make the experience a great one for our donors; helping local service members and military families in times of crisis; these are just a few of the many ways Red Cross volunteers make a difference every day.

During the dinner, the Chapter recognized those who provided exceptional service with several awards. Volunteers and partners receiving awards include:

Excellence in Youth Leadership Award Emily Klein (Findlay)

Biomedical Volunteer of the Year Rod and Mary DaMico (Mt. Gilead)

Humanitarian, Disaster or Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer of the Year

Dwight McFarland (Mt. Gilead)

Humanitarian Service Award Karl Schwechheimer (Crestline)

Excellence in Disaster Services Award Stephan Mahler (Rawson)

Red Cross HERO Award State Bank and John Whitson (Findlay)

Volunteer of the Year Award Joanne Gilmore (Upper Sandusky)

James presented several volunteers with the Executive Directors Special Recognition pin, including:

Ron Adkins (Marion)

Will and Phyllis Davis (Findlay)

Jeanne Eisentrager (Findlay)

Amy Huber (Findlay)

Ken McHattie (Marysville)

Peggy Reed (Marion)

Steve Renick (Marion)

Tina Sommerville (Findlay)

Becky Welch (Marion)

James presented service delivery statistics for Red Cross’ fiscal year 2019, which ran from July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019:

106 disaster responses, providing aid to 390 people

246 military members and families received aid and services

1,243 free smoke alarms installed

18,294 units of blood collected

947 youth received disaster preparedness training in the Pillowcase Project

2,651 people trained in First Aid/CPR/AED and other life-saving skills.

Also recognized during the dinner were retiring Board of Directors members Lydia Mihalik, Jaclyn Schalk and John Whitson and new Board members Lisa Amstutz, Casey Brown, Elba Caldos dos Santos and Robb Koons.

James says all Red Cross volunteers deserve the thanks and appreciation of their community.

“Our volunteers are there every day, ready to answer the call for help, protect families and homes, teach lifesaving skills and make our communities safer. We cant say thanks enough for all they give of themselves.”

For more information on volunteering with the North Central Ohio Chapter call (419) 422-9322 or click here.