Heart of Service Award

Laomi Harewood

Laomi currently serves on the Regional Council as a partner and mentor to the Regional CEO Rosie Taravella. Laomi is a contributing member and ambassador for both the New Jersey Tiffany Circle and Tiffany Circle National Council. Laomi’s superpower is that she doesn’t hesitate to help build a better Red Cross and a more compassionate world. She is an amalgamation of all the beauty that is the Red Cross volunteer network and uses her voice to encourage others to join us. And through her, they often do.

Outstanding Volunteer of the Year

Linda Kolman

Linda has been a dedicated volunteer with the American Red Cross for more than 18 years. Her superior work ethics, professional demeanor, and optimistic attitude result in a positive impact in all she does. Linda’s list of volunteer roles is quite impressive: from amazing Supervisor with the Disaster Action Team; to Sheltering Manager, Feeding Service Associate, and Team Lead for Mass Care in Disaster. Linda also holds positions with Disaster Recovery Services, Staff Planning and Workforce Management. Linda also deploys to other states to lend her professionalism and compassionate care to other regions during large national disaster responses. Linda is an exemplary model of an American Red Cross volunteer.

Outstanding Youth Volunteer of the Year

Nitya Kathiravan

Nitya volunteers on the Youth Intake and Screening Team. With more than 4,000 youth applicants in the New Jersey Region during FY24, Nitya’s work moving prospective youth volunteers through the screening process cannot be understated. She has been the primary member of the youth intake team to contact and refer these thousands of applicants. She has never missed a meeting with her supervisor and consistently brings her “A” game to her volunteer responsibilities. The Volunteer Services team could not do it without her!

Outstanding Partner of the Year – Northern New Jersey

Dover Fire Department

The Dover Fire Department has been an incredible partner with the American Red Cross and our commitment to making families and homes safer. They have partnered with us to hold numerous Sound the Alarm home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events. The department has also partnered with us as we educate children about fire safety in Dover Elementary Schools. The work of our disaster volunteers at fire scenes is always clearly appreciated by the department. They are a true partner in every sense of the word.

Outstanding Partner of the Year – Central New Jersey

Point Pleasant Borough Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

The Point Pleasant Borough OEM has consistently participated in multiple Red Cross events over the years. Some of their Community Emergency Response Team members also dually volunteer with the Red Cross, creating a partnership that is invaluable in ensuring well-coordinated response during emergencies and disasters. They have provided vital tools and resources to help improve the efficiency of the Red Cross and have advocated and promoted our mission to strengthen community preparedness.

Outstanding Partner of the Year – Southern New Jersey

Holman

Holman has continually supported the mission of the American Red Cross, hosting blood drives each year, supporting Sound the Alarm events, collecting items for Services to the Armed Forces, and supporting Disaster Services regionally and nationally as a Ready 365 Giving Program member. Holman Vice President and General Manager Jeremy Fisher, along with Holman employees, have been true advocates and ambassadors for the Red Cross through this outstanding partnership.

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