Please congratulate our 2024 Red Cross Chapter Volunteers of the Year Awards recipients who were honored at our Annual Meetings held across the Massachusetts region this month.
Peggy Davis is the embodiment of the Red Cross spirit of service and preparedness. As the Northeastern Chapter's Home Fire Campaign program volunteer lead, Peggy has been instrumental in making countless homes and families safer. Over the past year, she supported the planning and execution of successful Sound the Alarm events in Rowley, Burlington, and Haverhill. Her dedication and hard work directly impacted 319 homes and 783 people, providing them with vital fire safety resources and education. Peggy's tireless volunteerism, organizational skills, and passion for protecting our neighbors make her truly deserving of the Community Preparedness Volunteer of the Year Award.
Bonnie has demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication, making substantial contributions to our recovery efforts and consistently exceeding expectations. Throughout her tenure, Bonnie has expertly managed the Recovery team and maintained continuity and effectiveness even during her deployments. Bonnie’s expertise extends beyond recovery; she is also a recognized figure in Shelter Resident Transition (SRT), consistently listed as a top resource for her skills and dedication. Bonnie's regular deployments and role as one of the inaugural Client Care Chiefs nationwide have placed her at the forefront of client care within our region and across the country. Bonnie's involvement at the division and national levels brings invaluable insights and best practices back to our local team, enhancing our overall effectiveness and service delivery.
Bob Crowley joined the Western Territory DCS team in March 2023 bringing with him many great skills and the question of “how can I help”? In the West, we struggled with getting the Hands Only CPR program up and running and when Bob heard that, he said “I’ll take care of it”. Bob learned that the West also needed a Mass Care Feeding Lead and with his background, he knew he was the perfect fit. He soon was meeting with the Regional Mass Care staff, reaching out to local food vendors to work on agreements and documenting capabilities and expectations. Bob has also seen the need for DAT responder supervisors on the Franklin County DAT and is working his way toward that goal while also taking on Home Fire Campaign installations in Franklin County.
The Western MA board is extremely lucky to have such an exceptional board member that leads by example as Sarah does. She is eager to assist and participate, is passionate about our mission, and leads the board to think outside the box. Sarah belongs to a wide network in Western MA and is never shy to reach out to anyone that she feels could support the board or the Red Cross in a positive way. She has opened up several corporate doors for us all because of the many relationships she has strengthened over the years. Sarah is an asset to the board and her passion for the Red Cross and "can do" attitude does not go unnoticed.
Jean's commitment to the pantry began in June 2016, during which she has consistently exemplified the true essence of volunteerism. This year alone, Jean has selflessly volunteered 34 times, demonstrating an unparalleled level of dedication and passion for serving those in need. She greets both volunteers and clients with an infectious kindness, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere within our food pantry. Her genuine compassion and empathy resonate with everyone she encounters, fostering a sense of community and support that is truly invaluable. Whether it's greeting clients, assembling grocery bags, or distributing food to clients, Jean approaches every task with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to make a difference.
Michelle Novelle is a talented professional, a mother, and a leader in the community. She is a trusted mentor for all volunteers and an invaluable resource for our clients. Michelle’s passion for community service spans many areas of the Red Cross, holding roles within Disaster Mental Health, the Integrated Care Condolence Team, Latino Engagement efforts, and organizational training initiatives. Michelle manages to “do it all,” supporting both local operations and national deployments, all while working full-time and raising a large family. She is unwavering in her ability to do it all with fervor, positivity, compassion, humor, and boldness.
Felipe joined the American Red Cross in spring of 2023, as he was finishing up his Junior year at Boston University with a pre-med curriculum. With a busy school schedule and even busier summer interning at Mass General Hospital, he fully committed to making time to volunteer, despite initial concerns regarding his availability. In 10 months, Felipe took on 30 Blood Donor Ambassador shifts, volunteered with the food pantry, participated in Boston University Red Cross Club activities, and traveled 50 miles by bus and Uber to be a key contributor at New England’s largest blood drive in Manchester, NH. On a student’s schedule, Felipe repeatedly stepped in to fill open shifts left by colleagues, who unfortunately had last minute cancellations due to emergencies.
As a distinguished member of the Southeastern MA Chapter Board, Megan stands out as a valuable contributor and thought partner within the DEI Committee, where her insights and perspectives have been instrumental in driving positive change and promoting a culture of inclusivity. Megan's impact extends to the Brockton community, where she is actively engaged in various organizations that she enthusiastically introduces to the Red Cross. Whether it involves coordinating tabling events, or supporting blood drives, Megan consistently demonstrates her eagerness to lend a helping hand, showcasing her unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of others. Megan's recognition as a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Champion serves as a testament to her outstanding leadership and tireless efforts in advancing diversity and equality within the Red Cross community.
Phil generously shares his time and talent, going above and beyond by deploying multiple times throughout the year across both Massachusetts, and the Nation. As the Elected Official Liaison, he meticulously built out elected official contact lists for Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire, showcasing his proactive approach and organizational skills. Phil's swift and efficient turnaround time, coupled with his eagerness to take on any task, exemplifies his reliability and dedication to the Red Cross mission. Whether it involves making phone calls, conducting research initiatives, or stepping in to cover essential roles in the absence of others, Phil consistently demonstrates his ability to get the job done with precision and excellence. His invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment make him a true asset to the Southeastern Massachusetts Red Cross community.
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