Press release

Local Red Cross volunteers were honored Thursday night for their work with the organization at the American Red Cross North Central Ohio Chapter’s Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner.  The dinner was held at the Marion Technical College in the Healthcare Building.

Executive Director Todd James says the dinner recognizes the tremendous efforts of Red Cross volunteers in their local communities every day.  “We have hundreds of volunteers in the North Central Ohio Chapter who are responsible for providing all of our programs and services.  Whenever our communities call upon the Red Cross for help, our volunteers are there to answer that call. By 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 Red Cross recognized those volunteers who provided exceptional service in 2016.  Volunteers and partners receiving awards include:

Retiring Board Members
Dave Cytlak
Fran Schafer

Volunteer Leadership Award
Pat Sadowski

Operations Support Volunteer Award
Cindy Schwab
Rajini Maturu

Disaster Preparedness & Response Volunteer Award

Amy Huber – Hardin County
Becky Welsh – Marion County
Dwight McFarland – Morrow County
Mark Sigler-Wyandot County
Ruth Stiverson – Seneca County
Karl Schwechheimer – Crawford County
Ginny Watters – Union County
Pat Swisher – Hancock County

Blood Services Donor Ambassador Award
Elaine LaFrance

Blood Services Scheduling Specialist Award
Diane Wall

 Blood Services New Volunteer Award
Sindey Baldwin
Sheri Cook

Blood Services Sleeves Up. Hearts Open. All In. Award
Morrow County Blood Services Committee

Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service Award
Bob Janke – Radiothon
Stacey Reineke-Oscar
Meg Brinkman-BASH
Colleen Lazar – Youth Services

Red Cross Hero
iHeart Media Marion

Red Cross Achievement Award
Karl Gingrich

Clara Barton Award
Fred LaFrance

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 can’t say thanks enough for all they give of themselves.”