RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Volunteer Recognition and Awards

  • Volunteer Janice Winston is recognized nationally for outstanding service to veterans

    By Jaime Boris and Alana Mauger

    Volunteer Janice Winston wearing a red Service to the Armed Forces vest and holding a rectangle plaque.
    Service to the Armed Forces volunteer Janice Winston with her national award . Photo by Dave Skutnik / American Red Cross

    The Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) team of the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Region recently honored longtime volunteer Janice Winston, who was nationally recognized as a Service to the Armed Forces–International Services (SAF-IS) Exceptional Volunteer.

    A Red Cross volunteer for more than 20 years, Janice began serving as the VAVS representative for the Cpl. Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Philadelphia in 2009. Today, she leads a dedicated team of 19 volunteers.

    “Janice runs her team like a well-oiled machine,” said Jaime Boris, SAF-IS Program Manager for SEPA. “We never have to worry if our VAVS volunteers are being engaged or supported because Janice treats them like family. One need only look at her long history with the organization to see her commitment to her community and passion for impacting the lives of those in need.”

    Janice spearheaded several new initiatives over the past year, including signing and presenting birthday cards to in-patient and Community Living Centers (CLC) veterans signing ‘thank you for your service’ notecards to be distributed to clients in the VA’s food pantry and organizing and delivering 93 cases of food donations for the food pantry.

    During an annual joint review with VA staff, Janice noticed discrepancies in volunteer hour reporting. She proactively collaborated with VA personnel to reconcile records, ensuring Red Cross volunteers received proper credit for their service.

    Following that review, the VA’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) chief shared high praise.

    “Janice is one of the best VAVS representatives I have worked with, ever. She is so responsive and diligent. Our medical center would definitely have a few gaps without the Red Cross’ and Janice’s support.”

    Janice’s leadership and dedication exemplify the spirit of Red Cross volunteerism. Her national recognition is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on veterans, volunteers and the broader community.

    Volunteer Janice Winston wearing a red Service to the Armed Forces vest and holding a rectangle plaque surrounded by 8 women volunteers and staff.
    Members of the Red Cross Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) team stand with Janice Winston to celebrate her national award. Photo by Dave Skutnik / American Red Cross

  • Red Crossers recognized for serving others during 2024-25 deployments

    By Alana Mauger

    Red Crossers gathered at the Spring Garden Campus in Philadelphia to be recognized for their out-of-region deployments in 2024-25. Photo by Konrad Jones / American Red Cross

    The American Red Cross Disaster Workforce Team hosted a Deployment Appreciation event on May 28th in Philadelphia for local volunteers and staff who deployed outside of the Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Region over the past year. Honorees enjoyed dinner and received certificates acknowledging their deployments.

    Seventy volunteers and staff – representing 22% of SEPA’s deployable workforce – served during 121 deployments to assist with Red Cross disaster relief operations between January 2024 and March 2025.

    Regional CEO Jennifer Graham thanked Red Crossers in attendance for taking time out of their busy schedules to support communities impacted by disasters and provide them with a pathway to recovery.

    “It takes a village, and this is an amazing village, an amazing family here in SEPA,” she said. “I’m so proud to be able to work alongside every single one of you and am thankful for all that you did over the past year.”

    Among their deployments, an astounding 64 volunteers and staff assisted people impacted by Hurricane Helene across North Carolina, Florida and Georgia, and 14 spent time in California helping those affected by wildfires. Twenty-two Red Crossers deployed two or more times, and eight deployed four or more times.

    Volunteer Joe Hughes shares stories from his first-ever deployment last year in Northeastern Iowa. Photo by Konrad Jones / American Red Cross

    Volunteer Joe Hughes was one of four local Red Crossers who deployed to flooded communities in Northeastern Iowa. It was his very first out-of-region deployment.

    Sharing his experience as a member of the Mass Care Feeding Team, Joe stressed the importance of being flexible – like the cartoon character Gumby, he said – because deployment situations can change quickly and often. Despite the uncertainty, he enjoyed the service opportunity and said the most rewarding part was “staying in touch with the people.”

    “Your training is your training, right? But the tools that you’ll use – your handshake, your hugs, your smiles and your reassuring tone of voice – that’s what connects more with these people,” he said. “I loved it. I’ll do it again. I encourage others to do the same.”

    Before certificates were distributed, Director of Workforce Engagement Patrick Kobol surprised the group with a special video message from actor and comedian Richard Kind, who is a Bucks County native. Watch Richard’s video

    Below, those who attended the Deployment Recognition Event on May 28th received certificates from Regional CEO Jennifer Graham and Regional Disaster Services Officer Lisa McGee. Photos by Konrad Jones / American Red Cross

    Crucial need for disaster support

    Volunteers are more critical now than ever as the Red Cross responds to a new major disaster about every two weeks. These massive events, like storms and wildfires, are on top of the home fires which occur multiple times every day across the country. To make sure no one faces an emergency alone, the Red Cross has a crucial need for disaster volunteers and is actively recruiting to be ready for disasters of all sizes. 

    Just like the people served, the Red Cross is proud that its volunteers represent a wide array of cultures, backgrounds, ages, lifestyles and beliefs. Everyone is welcome at the Red Cross. While volunteers of all types are needed, there is a strong need for people to support disaster operations.

    Visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more and get started.

  • National Volunteer Week: Nancy Orlando is passionate about volunteering

    By Maura Wynne

    Nancy Orlando (second from left) is pictured with fellow volunteers Gail Bube (far left) and MaryAnn Santangelo (far right) and and Red Cross Biomedical Volunteer Workforce Engagement Representative Carol Hummel (second from right). Photo by Donn Greenberg / American Red Cross

    Nancy Orlando embodies the spirit of a lifelong volunteer. For her, giving back isn’t just an activity; it’s woven into the fabric of who she is. This passion for service took root in her childhood, watching her parents actively engage in their community through PTA events and thoughtful gestures like donating baked goods. These early experiences illuminated the profound impact of even small acts of kindness. As a student, Nancy eagerly sought opportunities to contribute, from directing a school play to participating in collections for UNICEF and Toys for Tots. This ingrained sense of service seamlessly transitioned into her adult life, where she consistently dedicated her time to causes close to her heart. 

    The events of 9/11 spurred Nancy to take action within her workplace, where she spearheaded a volunteer group that organized blood drives, assembled care packages for troops, and coordinated fundraisers for various charities. When the isolation of the pandemic left her longing for those connections, it was a natural progression for her to find a new avenue for service with the American Red Cross as a Blood Donor Ambassador. “Volunteering just seems like a big part of my heart and who I am,” Nancy explains. “It’s truly meaningful when you help others! While you may have helped with no expectations of a return, it’s interesting that it ends up helping you too—with good feelings!” 

    Since joining the Red Cross in June 2023, Nancy has already dedicated over 300 hours to this role. Her work as a Blood Donor Ambassador goes beyond a simple title; it’s a chance to cultivate a welcoming and positive atmosphere for donors. Whether she’s offering reassurance to first-time donors or celebrating the milestones of long-time contributors, Nancy infuses every shift with warmth and genuine enthusiasm. “Each drive has a different tempo depending on the location, donors, and staff,” she observes. “But the best part is connecting with people—donors, staff, and host site organizers. I love making donors laugh, sharing funny stories from past drives, and ensuring they feel appreciated.” 

    One of the most profound aspects of her volunteer work is participating in blood drives organized in honor or memory of loved ones. Engaging with the families, hearing their stories, and understanding their motivations deeply reinforces the significance of her service. “It’s an honor to express my condolences and acknowledge the incredible reasons behind their decision to host a drive.” 

    Nancy finds particular fulfillment in volunteering at high school blood drives. “Being a small part of a student’s first donation experience is amazing,” she shares. “I try to help them have fun and make it a positive experience, so maybe they’ll become lifelong donors.” Teamwork is integral to Nancy’s volunteer efforts. She collaborates closely with Red Cross staff and fellow volunteers, ensuring the smooth operation of each drive through open and consistent communication. “I always check in with the charge to understand the flow of the drive and keep donors informed if there are any schedule delays. A smile, appreciation, and transparency go a long way.” 

    Nancy is continually inspired by the generosity of blood donors and the unwavering dedication of the Red Cross staff. “I’m always surprised and touched when donors thank me for volunteering,” she says. “And I’m truly honored to work alongside staff who dedicate their lives to service. They are some of the finest, most caring people on the planet!” 

    Her commitment to raising awareness about the critical need for blood donation is resolute. Learning that only a small percentage of the population donates blood has fueled her determination to make a difference. “We must be the change we wish to see in the world,” she reflects. “We rise by lifting others, and together, we can make a meaningful difference.” 

    Beyond her vital work with the Red Cross, Nancy also contributes her time and expertise to the Alumni Society Board for Penn State Great Valley, where she earned her Master of Leadership Development. She finds both roles deeply fulfilling and purposeful. “While these service roles are about giving back, I am grateful to be involved—they add meaning to my life. 

    “For anyone contemplating volunteering, Nancy offers a simple yet powerful piece of advice: “Give it a try. You might find it meaningful and rewarding on so many levels.” 

  • National Volunteer Week: Bob Worn transports the region’s blood supply

    By Robert Ambrose

    Bob Worn with his wife Paula at Phillies Spring Training in Florida this past March. Submitted photo

    Bob Worn does not need an introduction to many Red Cross volunteers and the Biomedical team who know him. Transporting your nearby blood donations to the Red Cross lab and onward to hospitals has been Bob’s path to a heart of gold. Starting three years ago just after retiring from Human Resources, he acted on what he planned years earlier.

    Many years ago, Bob admired the Red Cross volunteerism of his sister-in-law, Sandy Capoferri. The disaster recovery stories Sandy shared left an impression. The chance to select a schedule and doing something he already loved — driving — attracted Bob and he never looked back.

    During his nearly three years and counting volunteering for the Red Cross, Bob meanders through the region’s map. At each Red Cross blood donation site, the Blood Donor Ambassadors — also volunteers — whom he meets ensured a personal connection. On one occasion a technical institute was packed with many college-aged donors. Bob’s appreciation for the sea  of  donors stepping up to help their fellow Americans underscored his own commitment. Bob’s carful of donations found its way to the next stop: Red Cross Manufacturing Laboratory at the Spring Garden Campus in Philadelphia. In fact, his pick-up at the tech college was one of at least two Red Cross transports to the lab that specific afternoon.

    Blood and platelet donations awaiting transport by Red Cross transportation specialists like Bob Worn. Photo by Sanford Myers/American Red Cross

    Volunteers in other departments  also affirm Bob’s good will contribution. Essentially, his time and efforts facilitate the Red Cross functioning for the greater good (than otherwise). Volunteer connections — when volunteers meet each other in service to the higher cause (than otherwise) – ensure Bob’s perennial commitment.

    Bob’s personal highlight was at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) where he saw young patients gathered for the CHOP Prom. Dressed up, cheering and singing, the young patients evoked his appreciation of young people enjoying a second chance at having fun and life itself. That day, Bob’s Red Cross commitment transported him to a premium level beyond just a curious bystander.

  • National Volunteer Week: Kasra Yaghouti is dedicated to helping others

    By Jenny Farley

    Kasra Yaghouti received the Exceptional Biomedical Volunteer Award at the Celebration of Volunteers on March 8, 2025. Submitted photo

    Kasra Yaghouti began volunteering for the American Red Cross as a blood donor ambassador in 2020. Just one year later, he took on additional responsibilities as Engagement Lead for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Region.

    “I’m so appreciative of everything I’ve learned – all the incredible people that I’ve met,” he said.

    On March 8, 2025 the Red Cross honored Kasra during the Celebration of Volunteers ceremony, where he won the Exceptional Biomedical Volunteer award for Philadelphia County.

    “I was ecstatic to win this award,” he said. Kasra felt thrilled to have been chosen “among such amazing volunteers” who have dedicated years of their life to the Red Cross.

    “My goal is always to help others in need,” he said.

    In that spirit of helpfulness, Kasra is a dedicated blood donor, having contributed both whole blood and white blood cells through the Red Cross, with plans to continue donating in the future.

    In 2021, Kasra co-founded a newsletter for blood donor ambassadors called “The Beat,” which will soon merge with the “Volunteer Voice” newsletter after nearly 30 issues were published. During the pandemic “The Beat” gave volunteers a chance to connect with one another during social distancing.

    “Hopefully, the newsletters allowed them to understand that their dedication and support means so much and it goes such a long way towards saving lives.”

    As a student at Temple University, volunteer Kasra Yaghouti partnered with the Red Cross to host blood drives. He donates whole blood and white blood cells. Submitted photo

    Kasra also hosted bi-monthly online meetings for blood donor ambassadors to talk to each other and ask questions, which was especially helpful during the pandemic when people couldn’t meet in person.

    He studied biology at Temple University and furthered his education with a post-baccalaureate program in health sciences, working toward his goal of becoming a nurse practitioner in dermatology.

    He currently works as a dermatology medical assistant and this fall will begin nursing school. Although his free time will be limited because of an intense course schedule, Kasra said he won’t ever neglect the Red Cross.

    “I love volunteering with the Red Cross. It’s always been one of my passions. It’s such a wonderful organization to be involved in — so welcoming. There’s always opportunities to help. I think I’ll always be a volunteer.”

    The Red Cross needs more volunteers like Kasra to support ongoing blood collection efforts and disaster operations. Blood donor ambassadors and blood transportation specialists are two of the biomedical volunteer positions the Red Cross needs the most.

    When you become a Red Cross volunteer, you will receive free online training to teach you what you need to know and help you learn new skills. If you would like to volunteer, find out how at redcross.org/volunteer.

  • National Volunteer Week: Amy Juarez comes from a family of helpers

    By Jackie Faiman

    Amy Juarez prepares teach a Be Red Cross Ready class last March at Kennett Library. Photo by Jenny Farley / American Red Cross

    As a volunteer in Disaster Cycle Services at the American Red Cross, Amy is quick to mention the throughline of service in her family. “My Dad was a volunteer fireman for 40 years, and my grandmother cooked meals for everyone in Beaver County, PA, where I am from…my brother was an EMT and is now a paramedic.”

    In 2023, as Amy was completing graduate work in emergency management, she sought experience that would dovetail with her degree. She happened upon the Community Preparedness and Education program at the Red Cross and knew it would be a great fit. Since then she has participated in the Sound the Alarm campaign, installing and educating people on smoke alarms, and in community preparedness programs, where she connects with people of all age groups, educating them about disaster preparedness.

    When asked what makes her effective in her role, Amy points to communication skills. With a background in social work, she is used to connecting with people from different backgrounds and navigating trainings and large service institutions. She adds that she felt an immediate kinship with other volunteers and loved the instant gratification of actions such as installing a smoke alarm in someone’s home.

    Amy Juarez (second from right) received the Montgomery County Exceptional Disaster Volunteer Award for 2024. She is pictured with Red Cross Philadelphia Board of Directors Chair Larry Pockers (far left); Regional CEO Jennifer Graham (second from left); and Delaware Valley Board of Directors Chair Carly Spross (far right). Photo by Donn Greenberg / American Red Cross

    Amy talks about the critical role of volunteers in society. She says, “I would love to see the Red Cross be expanded upon at the high school and college level. I think there are a lot of young people who want to volunteer…it would be nice for families to volunteer together.”

    Amy never ceases to be amazed at the dedication and civic-mindedness of the Red Cross staff and volunteers. “It takes a lot to take on that amount of responsibility…people don’t realize all the ways we help in the community.”

    Amy hopes to be able to devote more time to the Red Cross in the future, perhaps traveling to help at disaster sites as a first responder. In the meantime, she is proud to add that her family tradition of service continued; as teenagers, her son, David, joined the scouts and her daughter, Bella, the Red Cross summer Save a Life program. David is now a full-time paramedic.

  • National Volunteer Week: Ken Soondar serves wherever there is need

    By Robert Ambrose

    Ken Soondar (second from right) received a 2024 Exceptional Volunteer Award for his work as a Blood Donor Ambassador on March 8 at the Red Cross Celebration of Volunteers event. He is pictured with Red Cross Philadelphia Board of Directors Chair Larry Pockers (far left); Regional CEO Jennifer Graham (second from left); and Delaware Valley Board of Directors Chair Carly Spross (far right). Photo by Bernadette Mathis / American Red Cross

    Who among us serves the Red Cross as:

    • a Blood Donor Ambassador,
    • a Disaster Action Team ”DAT” responder – 24-hour on-call for local disaster relief such as fires in Bucks, Delaware and Philadelphia counties
    • a Red Cross smoke alarm installer
    • a pastor deploying far away to mass care shelters to provide spiritual support to disaster victims?

    Enter Kenneth “Ken” Soondar.

    Ken recently earned a volunteer recognition award through five years of action. But what is equally remarkable is his perfect background fit for each type  of volunteerism. Working for nearly 40-years as a blood testing veteran in Philadelphia-area hospital labs, Ken has covered each test variety (e.g., coagulation, urine, and microbiology).

    His professional experience organizing blood labs ensures the  Red Cross’ careful system is upheld. Matching daily blood donor’s profiles with each bottles’ correct label begins the intricate Red Cross system to test and distribute the area’s bona fide blood supply to hospitals. (It’s no small feat involving dozens of volunteers and compensated staffers). Blood collections are primary, but Ken’s typical blood drive day brings camaraderie with plasma and platelet donors as well. He says he enjoys “the people and the challenge.”

    But then there are local emergencies like fires. If families have smoke alarms, odds are greater to survive a fire than if no smoke alarms are present. Then what? Many families do not have rental insurance – and lose everything.

    Ken comes through to meet the people with only the clothes on their backs. Surely, helping those souls drew Ken to attend the free Red Cross smoke alarm installation events. Yes, he does both: (1) Both helping the fire victims and (2) preventing other potential fires with free smoke alarm installations and fire safety education. It’s Ken’s modus operandi when he is not serving as a church pastor.

    Ken’s pastor background further underscores his generous Red Cross volunteerism in other states. The widespread community-leveling disasters (e.g., tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes) need Red Cross volunteers from around the nation to meet the intense needs. While we see the disasters on news playbacks, Ken is on location. Recently, Ken was on location during the Los Angeles wildfires.

    A two-week minimum with the possibility to run six weeks, deployment disasters involve Ken catching planes and staying in multiple hotels. Sometimes renewing his stay in these spots where individuals have lost homes, cars, jobs, family and friends, this volunteerism is platinum-level support to humanity. Ken brandishes his heart of gold offering pastoral support. Red Cross volunteer healthcare professionals provide medical and even mental health assistance to these individuals right in Ken’s midst.

    Ken and his wife Molly get CPR certified at a Red Cross training event in 2024. Photo by Debbie Tevlin / American Red Cross

    In 1969, meeting his wife in healthcare school, the two people were united. But that union left Trinidad, their origin country losing two superheroes. Philadelphia is extraordinarily lucky to have them here.

    During part of my interview, one finished the sentence of the other. Both volunteer for the Red Cross. Anyone reading this: Do they even have couples as dedicated to community anymore?

    If that was not enough, Ken was on site in the days and weeks after the tragic Northeast Philadelphia plane crash, working with emergency responders and providing pastoral care to those impacted.

  • National Volunteer Week: Christine Lawrence stands with those who serve our country

    By Grayson Uckele

    Volunteer Christine Lawrence (right) receives an award on March 8 at the Celebration of Volunteers event for her work with the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program. She’s pictured with Jaime Boris, Service to the Armed Forces and International Services program manager. Photo by Donn Greenberg / American Red Cross

    Christine Lawrence is a dedicated American Red Cross volunteer who takes particular pride in serving the armed forces. She’s usually the first volunteer to offer services to lead workshops or offer other regions help when they’re short-staffed. Christine’s programs’ participants often rave about her, and she’s described by Red Cross colleagues as warm, funny, and compassionate. 

    Christine is active with the Red Cross Armed Forces Resiliency Program, the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service, Disaster Mental Health Services, and the Regional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Her dedication to her volunteer work is so complete and her drive is so obvious, she’s a clear asset to the American Red Cross.

    Christine says it was a mixture of her professional experience, an inward desire, and heavenly direction that led her to volunteer with the Red Cross, and more specifically, volunteer services with the armed forces. Christine explained, “my background includes working in different sectors relating to medical health, public health education, and management. I didn’t realize that, in each sector, I gravitated toward certain areas. One of those areas was advocating for individuals and armed forces. Recent medical situations I encountered surprisingly led me to the Red Cross during my own physical recovery.” 

    Numerous cherished memories keep Christine involved with the Red Cross. She shared that just a ‘Thank you, ma’am,’ from soldiers fulfills her work. Volunteering in response to disasters and training new volunteers with the Service to the Armed Forces program reminds Christine of who the American Red Cross is helping and that encourages her to serve with an open heart. She also described her work overseas as an extremely rewarding opportunity that allowed her to work with the military on a different level. 

    When asked about words of wisdom or advice for those considering volunteer work with the Red Cross, Christine said that she had hesitations of her own before falling in love with the organization. Her hesitation came from a fear of a new learning path, and she shared that she’s still learning with the Red Cross. She shared that there were times when she questioned her own professional abilities, but she encourages any new person considering volunteering with the Red Cross to embrace their hesitancy and allow that fear to be a walkway to embracing something new. Christine’s advice: 

    “Each one of us has gifts to brighten someone’s day who may be in need. Allow yourself the chance to do that and in return, your soul will smile.” 

    If you’re interested in volunteering with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

  • National Volunteer Week: Jesse O’Brien advocates for those impacted by disasters

    By Judith Weeks

    Jesse O’Brien (far right) participates in a disaster simulation exercise on March 30 at the Red Cross Spring Garden Campus in Philadelphia. Photo by Debbie Tevlin / American Red Cross

    Jesse O’Brien gives a face to the American Red Cross.

     “I like being there to put a face on the American Red Cross, so individuals know who the Red Cross is. Being there face-to-face just shows the Red Cross is there to help them.”

    Early in his career as a paramedic, Jesse was a Red Cross CPR Instructor. His heart was set on helping others in need so in 2023 he volunteered for the Southeast Pennsylvania Region Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT). Jesse quickly became the Bucks County Disaster Action Team Coordinator. Committed to new DAT volunteers, he helps them prepare for single-family home or multi-family apartment fires. Jesse puts these volunteers under his wing so they can do the right job. “If I go out for a call, I usually recruit new members to get in and acclimated to what we do.”

    Jesse plays a critical role in Red Cross disaster response leading DAT meetings and coordinating with other DAT leaders. He is always present, sharing his ideas, helping with documentation, assisting in schedule coordination and much more.

    His dedication paid off. Jesse was recognized for his leadership, receiving the Bucks County Exceptional Disaster Volunteer Award for 2024!

    Jesse O’Brien (third from left) receives the 2024 Bucks County Exceptional Disaster Volunteer Award on March 8, 2025 at the Celebration of Volunteers event in Havertown. He is pictured with Red Cross Philadelphia Board of Directors Chair Larry Pockers (far left); Regional CEO Jennifer Graham (second from left); and Delaware Valley Board of Directors Chair Carly Spross (far right).  Photo by Donn Greenberg / American Red Cross

    “I find that a lot of the responses we go on, we are dealing with people who have losteverything, but just being there shows them that we listen.”

    He recounts an experience with an elderly couple who lost everything when their home, a trailer house, was destroyed by a fire. When Jesse arrived at the scene, the couple explained they had insurance and family to help them. They said they really didn’t need Red Cross services. He gave them a big hug and told them, “We understand what you are going through. We’re going to try our best to help you get back on your feet.” All they were looking for was just someone who cares and listens.

    Jesse finds many do not know who the Red Cross is. “It’s challenging because I feel as though we don’t get calls to help individuals because they are concerned about the cost. I try to advocate in the community that Red Cross assistance is here for one purpose, to serve and not to collect any money. We are doing this to help!”

    Jesse was deployed last year to Houston, Texas, a city overcome by flooding. He jumped in and helped with sheltering, food distribution, and cleanup kits. “In a local response, families in single-family homes, or multiple families in apartments are affected. But in Houston, I learned to think quickly on my feet because hundreds of people were looking for help.”

    “For me, I’m not doing it for the praise, that’s just how I am. I’m a person who cares.”

    Jesse is married and has a five-year-old daughter. His family does everything together whether vacation or hobbies or just going out. They enjoy the Shore and the Poconos!

  • National Volunteer Week: Youth volunteer Xinyao Lin makes an impact

    By Maureen Zug

    High school senior Xinyao (Xin) Lin (center) holds her Outstanding Volunteer Award on May 8 at the Celebration of Volunteers. She is pictured with Red Cross Southeastern PA CEO Jennifer Graham (left) and Regional Chief Development Officer Joy Cauthorn. Photo by Bernadette Mathis / American Red Cross

    While interviewing  American Red Cross  volunteer colleague Xinyao (Xin) Lin, I was reminded of the  old adage, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.”

    Xin ( pronounced Zhen) is an 18-year-old youth volunteer who recently won the Financial Development department’s 2024 Outstanding Volunteer Award.  The award was presented at the Celebration of Volunteers event on March 8, 2025.

    I was delighted to  meet up with Xin and to find out how she accomplishes so much.

    Xin Connects with the Red Cross

    Her story began about 18 months ago by seeking out a volunteer opportunity with the Red Cross.  Because her high school in South Philadelphia, Academy at Palumbo, does not have a Red Cross Club, Xin took the initiative to seek out volunteering.  She came at the right time to help with the Red Cross’ headquarters move from 2221 Chestnut St. to the newly renovated 700 Spring Garden Campus.  With 50 years of archival  records, the Financial Development team needed help with  cleaning out, packing, and organizing boxes of records. Her supervisor reported that Xin gracefully took up the challenges. She exceeded  the move preparation team’s expectations and quickly became an essential part of the team.  Since Xin is a high school senior, she volunteered her time on Saturdays to support the project. 

    Personal Interests and Family Life

    Xin was born in China and has lived in the U.S. for the last 10 years. She lives in South Philadelphia with her mother, older sister, middle school-aged brother, and pet poodle, Laker.  Currently in her senior year,  Xin has completed the college selection process and will be attending Drexel University as an Accounting major in fall 2025. She is also a talented pianist and violinist. Xin loves to run with teachers and friends.  Over the last several years she has completed both half-marathons and a whole marathon during the annual Broad Street Run. Her favorite family activities include picnics and outings with her own family as well as other families in the Chinese-American community.

    Volunteering Philosophy and Inspiration

    When asked about why she volunteers, Xin explained, ”I like to help people, meet people, and it feels good.” Her older sister has a bachelor’s degree in Nursing and is pursuing graduate studies in the field.  As an older sister, she encourages Xin in her volunteering.  Upon her completion of studies at Drexel, Xin hopes to visit China after college.

    I was happy to be in the audience cheering for Xin when she received her Outstanding Volunteer Award.  Even with her busy schedule, she remains a generous contributor to the American Red Cross mission. Well done, Xin!