RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Volunteer Recognition and Awards

  • Red Cross, Wawa Participate in 24/7 Day to Thank Volunteers

    By Dave Skutnik

    Wawa is partnering with the American Red Cross to celebrate local heroes and joining other convenience retailers across the country to celebrate 24/7 Day. Held every July 24, 24/7 Day recognizes first responders, medical personnel and American Red Cross volunteers who work around the clock, 24/7, serving communities to ensure people don’t face emergencies alone.

    The annual event, hosted by the NACS Foundation, helps raise awareness and donations for the urgent humanitarian needs of the Red Cross and spotlights the convenience store industry’s important role in supporting local heroes in the communities they serve. 

    Check presentation from The Wawa Foundation for its 2021 in-store customer fundraising campaign and direct grants that support disaster relief efforts across its operating chain of six states (PA, NJ, DE, MD, VA, FL and Washington, D.C.). Photo by Dave Skutnik

    Annually, Wawa takes an opportunity to spotlight annual fundraising results of Wawa and The Wawa Foundation for the American Red Cross, as well as celebrate their volunteers who serve our communities. 

    “We’re delighted to participate again in the third annual 24/7 Day that unites our industry to recognize everyday heroes working around the clock to help our community, said Brian Schaller, Chief Real Estate and Fuel Officer, Wawa and Board Member, American Red Cross. We recognize that American Red Cross volunteers are needed more than ever and we remain committed to supporting our partners as they tirelessly help our friends and neighbors when they need them most.” 

    “The Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters every year. Wawa’s year-round support of the Red Cross helps communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters,” said Guy Triano, CEO for the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Red Cross. 90% of our workforce is volunteers and we’re thankful that Wawa and the NACS Foundation are helping to recognize these heroes in our communities.”

    Presentation of Free Coffee and Donut coupons to American Red Cross volunteers to represent donation of 16,000 Free Coffee Coupons and 16,000 Free Donut coupons across its chain to express gratitude for everything they do for our community. Photo by Dave Skutnik

  • The American Red Cross Celebrates 140 years of Service, Innovation and Hope

    By Judith Weeks

    Clara Baron, the founder of the American Red Cross, once said: “The Red Cross is a part of us – it has come to stay – and like the sturdy oak, its spreading branches shall yet encompass and shelter the relief of the nation.”

    Clara Barton selflessly dedicated her life to alleviate suffering. At the beginning of the Civil War, she worked at the U.S. Patent Office. As the war intensified, she quit her job to nurse the wounded, and collect bandages and supplies, then courageously went to the front lines where soldiers recognized this hero, calling her “Angel of the Battlefield”. In 1869, Barton traveled to Switzerland where she learned about the International Red Cross that grew out of the Geneva Convention. Understanding its potential benefits to Americans, she lobbied for support. On May 21, 1881, the American Red Cross was established with Barton as President.

    Now, following Barton’s humanitarian mission for 140 years and counting, the American Red Cross provides shelter and comfort to those who have been affected by a disaster; supports the military, their families, and veterans; teaches first aid skills to save lives; and collects 40% of the nation’s blood supply.

    Service

    During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Red Cross adapted its procedures to deliver its life-saving services safely, both for volunteers and for those receiving them. Shelters are now in hotels, and boxed lunches are served to ensure social distancing. Contact-free disaster assistance in the form of a debit card is often transferred between volunteer and recipient across the hood of a Red Cross vehicle. At COVID-19 vaccination sites, volunteers help with registration and pass out snacks and water in the recovery area.

    Innovation

    Today, the Red Cross is leveraging technology, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drones, and artificial intelligence to deliver services. Red Cross Mobile Apps and voice-enabled skills/action tools, downloaded to mobile devices from Apple, Amazon, and Google stores, provide expert advice for first aid and disaster relief after earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods. Locating blood drives and making appointments can be made with Alexa and Google.

    Hope

    During the pandemic, volunteers cannot give hugs, but with social distancing, they still bring a smile and ear to listen. Disaster Volunteers of the Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter of the Red Cross, trained in COVID-19 safety procedures, are ready when called to a local house fire or deployed nationally to floods, hurricanes, and wildfires, giving immediate help for recovery. Dedicated blood donors give life-saving blood and COVID-19 survivors give convalescent plasma to help patients who need it. Others generously donate dollars to support the Red Cross.

    The American Red Cross will continue its work through the 21st century and longer, adapting services to meet humanitarian needs, using technology for the delivery of services and communication, and always bringing hope and peace to those who are suffering.

    Learn how you can get involved and be part of the Red Cross mission at RedCross.org.

  • THANK YOU, Volunteers: You ARE the American Red Cross

    By Sukripa Shah

    It’s been quite a year. The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on all of us — individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole. The fear of illness, the toll on our physical and mental health, and the burden of job insecurity have all left an indelible mark. But now, with spring and a rousing vaccine rollout, we’re finally seeing a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Sure, it’s not over. We’re still getting back on our feet. But we’re seeing shots going in arms all across Pennsylvania. That alone has reignited hope for a better future in 2021.

    At the Philadelphia Convention Center, vaccine recipients expressed the same hope and optimism as they lined up to get their COVID-19 shots. And you — the Red Cross volunteers of Southeastern Pennsylvania — were on hand to help. Thank you, volunteers, for your time, energy, and dedication to keeping our communities, families, and children safe.

    Volunteers at the convention center vaccine event filled a variety of nonmedical roles:

    • Access and functional needs: Addressing any language, mobility, or behavioral health needs and connecting people to the appropriate resources 
    • Greeting and traffic flow: Keeping the mood upbeat while reminding those in line to stay socially distanced 
    • Registration station: Directing new arrivals to registration tables 
    • Wellness checkpoint: Asking pre-vaccine wellness screening questions 
    • Appointment verification: Checking appointments in the PrepMod system 
    • Observation/PrepMod and 2nd appointment registration: Directing first-dose recipients to make an appointment for their second
    • Exit guide: Maintaining orderly exit protocols

    Because of Red Cross volunteers, medical professionals at the event were able to focus on their area of expertise: getting people vaccinated! We’re grateful to all of you for your valuable support in inoculating hope and courage into the people of our neighboring cities and counties. Thank you! 

    Primary image description: Three Red Cross volunteers of Southeastern Pennsylvania wearing masks and social distancing stand in front of a Red Cross disaster relief vehicle near the Pennsylvania Convention Center’s COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Philadelphia, PA. In front of the volunteers is a table with a red tablecloth with the Red Cross logo on it, holding bottles of water and snacks.

  • Kathy Mullen: Warmhearted Whirlwind

    By Sukripa Shah

    During National Volunteer Week (April 18–24) we honor the 300,000+ volunteers who donate their time and energy to the American Red Cross, an organization whose workforce is 90% unpaid. This is one of a series of profiles you’ll see on the Red Cross Philly Blog. To learn more about exciting volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday. 

    If there’s one phrase that can describe Kathy Mullen’s outlook on life, it’s “relentlessly upbeat.” And make no mistake—her condition is contagious. For decades, the American Red Cross has been a crucial part of Kathy’s life, both as a mother and a volunteer. She recalls a personal crisis almost 38 years ago, when her 2-year-old son was diagnosed with a serious blood disorder. The Red Cross provided her son with a new life. He received countless blood transfusions, thanks to Biomedical Services. Today, Kathy counts her blessings: Her adult son is in great health, and she’s a proud grandmother of three beautiful granddaughters.

    So if you ever wake up in a bad mood and Kathy’s around, you’ll soon get caught up in her vortex. She’s a ball of energy, passion, and dedication to the Red Cross cause—alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies. She began giving back to the community soon after her retirement, and she’s been at it ever since. 

    Last fall, after the Oregon wildfires that took the lives of at least 11 people and destroyed more than 4,000 homes, Kathy was instrumental in helping to arrange shelter and support for people who’d lost everything they owned. Even during the darkest of times in their lives, she says, people never failed to reciprocate her kindness by saying “thank you.” This rewarding time left an indelible mark, and she knows that the courage, determination, and undeniable force of the human spirit can still prevail despite difficult circumstances.

    Kathy truly embodies the Red Cross volunteer ethic. She has been a pivotal part of the volunteer workforce for four years and continues to work with her local Disaster Action Team, Sound the Alarm initiative, Pillowcase Project, and Biomedical Services. Recently, she became a Community Volunteer Leader to advocate for the lifesaving services of the Red Cross focusing on the school/education sector.

    As a mother and professional, Kathy feels fortunate to have a great family and friends both in her hometown and in Phoenixville, where she now lives. She loves taking trips and has traveled far and wide as senior telecommunications manager for Lockheed Martin Corporation. She and her husband are excited about visiting Scotland in the future, where they plan to learn more about their roots and Scottish heritage.

    Primary image description: A picture of Red Cross volunteer Kathy Mullen, a Caucasian woman with shoulder-length light brown hair. She is smiling.

  • Brian Toll: A Lawyer With a Compassion Practice

    By Sukripa Shah

    The American Red Cross is celebrating National Volunteer Week (April 18-24) with a series of volunteer profiles on the Red Cross Philly Blog. We’re incredibly grateful to the 300,000+ volunteers who comprise more than 90% of the national Red Cross workforce. To learn more, visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday.

    Brian Toll’s journey with the American Red Cross began in an aptly named locale: the Volunteer State. At his chapter, Heart of Tennessee, he assisted in community relations and capacity building in three local counties. (What is capacity building, you ask? It’s an ongoing process that equips people, partners, and the community to better deliver services in a crisis.) He then became emergency services director for Disaster Preparedness and Response and Service to the Armed Forces, and now serves as board chairman for the Red Cross’s Delaware Valley chapter. 

    Brian’s passion and devotion to advance the mission and vision of the Red Cross have been above and beyond since the very beginning. He has walked the walk, as they say. In the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac in 2008, he took on the role of warehouse and transportation manager, and he’s helped train, deploy, and empower volunteers in many disaster situations.

    “When Hurricane Isaac hit the Gulf Coast, I hopped into a rental car with a few of my volunteers and we drove to Memphis,” Brian says. “We didn’t know what we were going to do when we got there, just that we were going. I’m proud to say that my volunteers back then were ‘jacks of all trades and masters of some,’ so we had a lot to offer.” 

    Of the many memories Brian cherishes with his fellow volunteers and friends, his proudest accomplishment is the recent partnership that his team established with the Mexican Consulate to help Latino residents of Philadelphia feel comfortable reaching out to the Red Cross for assistance.  

    In addition to his work as a certified International Humanitarian Law instructor, Brian wears plenty of hats at the Red Cross. He’s had countless training hours and certifications under his belt—Shelter Operations, Logistics, Client Casework, Disaster Assessment, Operations Management, Service Delivery Site Management, Psychological First Aid, and more.

    Brian, his wife (who’s also a longtime Red Cross employee), and their young daughters make an amazing Red Cross family. His willingness to think outside the box to assist individuals, families, and communities struck by catastrophe have earned him well-deserved admiration and respect from his fellow Red Crossers. 

    Primary image description: Picture of Red Cross Volunteer Brian Toll, a Caucasian man with short brown hair and glasses wearing a dress shirt with a salmon-colored tie and a dark grey suit vest.

  • Camille Harrison: New Kid on the Red Cross Block

    By Sukripa Shah

    During National Volunteer Week (April 18–24) we honor the 300,000+ volunteers who donate their time and energy to the American Red Cross, an organization whose workforce is 90% unpaid. This is one of a series of profiles you’ll see on the Red Cross Philly Blog. To learn more about exciting volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday. 

    Camille Harrison is an inspiration. She’s a Philly girl (well, she grew up in Montgomery County, so close enough) who cares a lot about paying it forward. She currently lives in North Carolina, where she’s pursuing her biology degree as a senior premed student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, Camille happened upon a unique volunteer opportunity: The American Red Cross Hero Care Network. It was fortuitous: Ever since then, she has helped the Red Cross provide24/7 emergency communications and critical services to military members, veterans, and their families all over the world. Now in her ninth month with the Red Cross, Camille has provided critical virtual support to the Hero Care Network, Service to the Armed Forces, Emergency Follow-ups, and Client Surveys.

    As a relatively young volunteer, Camille has been a role model for other millennials, proving that anyone can make a difference—virtually or in person—at any age. Whether you’re still in school, just starting your career, or simply between jobs, the Red Cross has plenty of inspiring assignments to fit your schedule. You decide: A few hours at the computer or a few weeks at a disaster site both fill a valuable need.

    “My favorite memories are speaking with the families of service members and hearing their stories,” Camille says. “It touches my heart to see how thankful they are for the Red Cross for providing services in times of need. Especially during the pandemic, it is hard to reunite families in the case of an emergency.”

    Besides devoting her time to the Red Cross, she enjoys cooking, reading, and doing yoga. An avid fan Indian food, Indian music, and Bollywood movies, she hopes to visit India to experience the rich culture and, of course, to see one of the seven wonders of the world—the Taj Mahal.

    Primary image description: Picture of Red Cross volunteer Camille Harrison, a Black woman with her hair pulled back and wearing a business suit and pearl earrings. She is smiling at the camera as she sits outside on a sunny day.

  • Maryann Santangelo: Out of the Office, Into the Fire

    By Sukripa Shah

    During National Volunteer Week (April 18–24) we honor the 300,000+ volunteers who donate their time and energy to the American Red Cross, an organization whose workforce is 90% unpaid. This is one of a series of profiles you’ll see on the Red Cross Philly Blog. To learn more about exciting volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday. 

    This month, Maryann Santangelo marks her first anniversary as a volunteer with the Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania. But she’s no stranger to volunteerism: After retiring from a rewarding career as a senior VP and teacher in the world of marketing and advertising, Maryann donated her time to an adult literacy program at Delaware County Community College. Then she found out about the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross. 

    Many people are surprised to learn that 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce is volunteer. That was a big factor in Maryann’s decision to sign on in April 2020. Since then, she has brought a lot to the Biomedical Services table, both as a Blood Donor Ambassador (BDA) and BDA Trainer. She hosts at least one blood drive a week as a disaster recovery caseworker, and she also conducts training and onboarding of new volunteers in Philadelphia, Delaware, and Chester counties. What’s more, her role as disaster recovery caseworker has been invaluable to the disaster services team. And that’s not all: Maryann is also focusing on becoming a Disaster Action Team member so she can further serve disaster-affected people and communities. 

    Despite days filled with Red Cross projects, Maryann still enjoys working out and spending quality time outdoors with her daughter and furry friends. (She has three cats and a dog.) Her life and professional experience never fails to yield results: She not only gets the job done but also finds ways to get it done better. 

    Maryann is driven. She comes up with creative ideas to keep people motivated. (She recently shared that she and her team have come up with a great idea that’s yet to be set in motion. Stay tuned!) It’s the adrenaline rush of meeting people (virtually) to brainstorm creative ideas that ranks near the top as her favorite part of volunteering. 

    It’s no surprise, then, that Maryann has a vibrant personal life. Having been very close to her Italian grandmother, she wishes to visit Italy someday and explore her Italian heritage, as well as learn more about the beauty and richness of that beautiful country and culture. 

    Primary image description: Picture of Red Cross volunteer Maryann Santangelo, a Caucasian woman with short brown hair, smiling at the camera. She wears a light gray shirt, lipstick and eye makeup, and flower-shaped earrings.

  • Local Heroes Honored with Red Cross Lifesaving Awards

    By: Alana Mauger

    This week, 11 people received the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action, or CEPA, for their heroic and lifesaving acts during two medical incidents in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The CEPA is awarded to people who step forward in an emergency situation to help save or sustain a human life.

    “These individuals exemplify the mission of the Red Cross to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies,” said Guy Triano, CEO of Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania. “We commend them for their willingness to help others in distress.”

    The first award at the virtual ceremony on March 9 was presented to Jessica Halvorson. In 2012, Jessica was visiting friends in Philadelphia when one of them was injured by a vehicle during a hit-and-run accident. According to the detective on the scene, the man flew 15 feet in the air and 35 feet across the intersection of 39th and Chestnut Streets—just around the corner from the Red Cross House. 

    Jessica quickly assessed the situation and told her friends to call 911. She applied pressure to the man’s head wound and verified that he was breathing independently and could move his limbs. Then EMS arrived and resumed care.

    The next awards were presented to 10 people who acted together to help save a man’s life when he had a cardiac incident in Montgomery Township. On October 23 last year, a customer found the man hunched over a counter, unresponsive, in a retail establishment. Michael Kleban, an employee and firefighter, moved the man to the floor, began CPR, and told the customer to call 911. 

    That’s when members of Squad 18 from the Montgomery Township Department of Fire Services (Carmen Conicelli, Frank Colelli, Kevin Neubert, and Eoghan Lowry) sprang into action. They arrived on location, took over CPR and rescue breathing, and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to administer shocks. 

    Next, two ambulance crews from the Volunteer Medical Corps of Lansdale arrived. Shannon Pasquale, Jeff Owler, Mike Shearer, Derek Kreyenhagen and Mike Rennard assisted with CPR, AED, and rescue breathing. They deployed the LUCAS machine (a chest compression device) and administered medication.

    The efforts of all 10 of these people resulted in the man regaining his pulse and breathing before being transported to a local hospital.

    Lifesaving Award program

    The Red Cross Lifesaving Awards program comprises four awards. The oldest and most prestigious Red Cross award is the Certificate of Merit, signed by the U.S. President. The Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders and Healthcare Professionals is given to trained people who respond to emergencies as part of their work. The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action goes to people who lack Red Cross training but who step up during an emergency. Finally, the Lifesaving Instructor Award is given to instructors who teach the skills that help save or sustain lives. 

    You can nominate and recognize a person or group who have used the skills and knowledge gained in Red Cross training courses to help save or sustain a life. Visit LifesavingAwards.org to get started. 

    Primary image description: Recipients of the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action are shown in a screenshot during the virtual Lifesaving Awards ceremony on March 9, 2021.