American Red Cross Celebrates Our Local Heroes, Our Volunteers

It’s National Volunteer Week, a time for the American Red Cross to recognize the individuals who make our humanitarian work possible each day. We are so proud to celebrate our volunteers’ commitment to serving others. The hard work that our volunteers give day in and day out to our mission is nothing short of amazing.

We had the chance to recognize volunteers in the Kern County & Eastern Sierra, Pacific Coast and Central Valley Chapters during March is Red Cross Month, and are thrilled to share that with you during National Volunteer Week. Our volunteers are true humanitarians through and through. Take a moment to celebrate these incredible community members that give back to their community.

Kern County & Eastern Sierra Chapter Awardees

Abha Varma, Biomedical Service Award
Gary Henson, SOS Volunteer Award
April Remnant, Chapter Board Team Award
Dan Santos, Communications Award
Michael Turk, Disaster Cycle Services Award
Cynthia Fisher, Boots on the Ground Deployment Award
Michael Castro, Disaster Preparedness Award
John Calder, Fundraiser Award
Mark Penza, Operations Award
Jo Barsenas, Service to the Armed Forces Award

Heather Latham, Volunteer Services Award
Noah Ratley, Youth & Young Volunteer Award

 The Salvation Army California South Division, Good Neighbor Award
Carolyn Gargano, Rookie of the Year Award
James Renteria, Spirit of the American Red Cross
Pacific Coast Recovery Team, Team Award

Central Valley Chapter Awardees

Lucca Lorenzi, Communications Award
Betty Wong, Disaster Cycle Services Award
Chris Murphy, Boots on the Ground Deployment Award
Ken Jonah, Disaster Preparedness Award
Marie Loucks, Fundraiser Award
Mary Frazier, Service to the Armed Forces Award
Don Fisher, Volunteer Services Award

Tri Tran, Youth & Young Adult Volunteer Award
The Fresno Center, Good Neighbor Award
Bill Beebe, Rookie of the Year Award
Shirley Bahr, Spirit of the American Red Cross Award
Fresno/Kings/Tulare Disaster Action Team, Team Award

Becoming a volunteer with the Red Cross isn’t just about giving back to your community. It’s also about learning new skills, making lifelong friends and being a part of the world’s biggest humanitarian network striving to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Turn tragedy into hope by donating your time and skills. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started today.