LONG BEACH, Monday, February 01, 2010 — On January 23, the Greater Long Beach Chapter of the American Red Cross hosted its annual Volunteer Recognition Breakfast. With over 175 people in attendance, the recognition breakfast celebrated and honored GLBC volunteers for their service and dedication to the chapter. Awards were presented to those volunteers and Red Cross partners that exhibited outstanding service going above and beyond the call of duty. The following is a list of local volunteers and organizations that received special recognition:

Youth Department Community Service Award: Toyota Logistics
For their ongoing support of the Annual Youth Holiday project by hosting a toy drive to collect donations at their location, collecting more than 1,200 toys for needy children, and providing volunteers to help on the big day at registration, handing out toys, and wherever they are needed.

Emergency Services Community Service Award: Cambodian Senior Nutrition Program and the United Cambodian Community Center.
For working closely with the chapter to better prepare the Cambodian community for disasters.

The Betty Seal Outstanding Youth Volunteer of the Year Award: Frankie Wong, Jennifer & Krystin Tith
This award is named in honor of Betty Seal our chapter’s staunchest advocate for youth programs who believes youth are the future of the American Red Cross.

Halcyon Ball Good Neighbor Award: City of Paramount
Named in honor of Halcyon (Hal) Ball, who passed away 3 years ago, Hal and his brother owned and operated a company whose offices were located on the property behind the Chapter and immediately introduced himself shortly after the chapter opened and became and active volunteer.

For their continued support of the Red Cross in the Paramount Community by providing Red Cross preparedness training and supporting our National Day of Giving.

Dorothy Wise Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award: Sharmon Voltmer
This Award is named for one of the most passionate supporters of the American Red Cross. Dorothy’s love and affection for the Red Cross are 2nd only to her love for her family. It is her spirit of devotion to the Red Cross mission and her readiness to do whatever it takes to make sure we are there whenever someone is in need.

For her leadership and service above and beyond the call of duty. The selected candidate must be an active, hands-on volunteer who has served with exceptional distinction over the past year and demonstrates leadership within the chapter.

The Neil Allgood Outstanding Disaster Volunteer of the Year: Willie Mussman & Lisa Harris
This award is named for one of the most knowledgeable and dedicated disaster volunteers, Neil Allgood.

For their commitment and dedication to preparing our community for the next disaster by coordinating more than 30 presentations for almost 940 people; 300 more people than this time last year, coordinating chapter coverage for over 10 community fairs with over 700 visitors within the last four months.

“It is with great appreciation that the GLBC honors and thanks its volunteers. It is through the generous contributions of time, skills, and compassion that the GLBC can continue on its mission to assist victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies”, said Nancy Kindelan, CEO Greater Long Beach Chapter. American Red Cross Greater Long Beach Chapter.

The Greater Long Beach Chapter of the American Red Cross serves the communities of Artesia, Bellflower, Catalina Island, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Paramount and Signal Hill and is ready to respond at a moment’s notice when help is needed. Red Cross volunteers make it possible to provide disaster relief, serve the military and their families, enable youth to learn leadership skills, train others in Red Cross fundamentals, and teach life saving CPR and First Aid. The Greater Long Beach Chapter is a United Way Partner in Bridging the Gap in the communities it serves.