The American Red Cross, Southeast Tennessee Chapter, recently recognized its exceptional volunteers who help people in need.
"We are even more aware of the great dedication of our volunteers, whose support makes a dramatic difference for our neighbors in need," Julia Wright, local chapter executive director, said in a news release.
In the Tennessee region, more than 2,000 people volunteer with the Red Cross. They respond to home fires and other disasters, support blood collections, provide emergency assistance to military families, and much more, the news release stated.
This year's honorees are:
› Ken Cox of Soddy-Daisy, who received the Humanitarian Excellence Award for his role in both disaster services and operations.
› Nance Jo Ogozalek of Soddy-Daisy, who received the Disaster Services Chapter Award to recognize her contributions in responding to house fires across 13 counties, and work with the Home Fire Campaign, Sound the Alarm program.
› Gail Lawhorn of Benton, Tenn., who received the Award of Excellence for Community Leadership for her work in building response teams, cultivating partnerships and setting up blood drives in her community in Polk County.
Julia Wright
Executive Director