Chapter Honors Carbon County Volunteers

Chapter Honors Carbon County Volunteers

News Release: January 1, 2011
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771

"It's not about one individual. It takes a team of people from all walks of life to support the work of the American Red Cross. The one common denominator that you all have is what's inside here … your heart," said Greater Lehigh Valley Red Cross COO Bob Duld as he pointed to his chest before a group of nearly 30 Carbon County volunteers. "This celebration is about you … our most trusted volunteers."

The agency honored its volunteers yesterday at a Volunteer Appreciation and Recognition Luncheon hosted by Michael Mickey, president and CEO of Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lehighton. "We have an incredibly hard-working staff here at our facilities and we are honored to host the Red Cross for this annual event," said Mickey, who is a Red Cross board member and whose facility is a Red Cross Community Partner.

"Thank you for all you do for the people of Carbon County," said Regional Executive John Hughes. "Your hard work and dedication to the Red Cross make this organization so special. We couldn't do what we do without you. Your work touches people down the street, across the country and around the world."

Irene Dedynsky of Jim Thorpe received a 20-year service pin for her work as a blood drive escort. Christopher Nothstein of Lehighton received this year's Extraordinary Volunteer Award for distributing blood collection posters in Lehighton through his association with Boy Scout Troop 145 and Venture Crew #1347 over the past 15 years. It's estimated that he has distributed 2,700 posters.

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to:

CONCERN Treatment Unit for Boys - for continued support in setting up equipment and supplies in preparation for Red Cross blood drives.
Lehighton High School Red Cross Club - for participation in the Feed a Neighbor and summer lunch programs at Zion UCC, bingo games for seniors at the Hi-Rise Apartments, blood drives, Heroes fund-raising campaign and support for the disaster relief efforts in Japan.
Lehighton Middle School - for adoption of the "Scrubby Bear" program which teaches youngsters how to properly wash their hands, and for holding a Red Cross Babysitting Training class this month.
Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center - for providing the food and facility for the event.

Board Vice Chairman Bill Coles added his appreciation. "We don't say thanks enough," he told volunteers. "The Lehighton High School and Middle School Red Cross clubs are doing diverse activities in the community. And, our blood volunteers are really, really busy and have saved a lot of lives. On behalf of the board of directors, thank you."

Kristen Campbell, a Lehighton High School senior and chorus member, entertained the group with two songs. In addition, "Scrubby Bear" (costume worn by Sarah Bednar of Lehighton) made an appearance and posed for pictures with volunteers and guests.

For more information about volunteer opportunities with the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, contact Bob Duld at 610-377-2100 or duldr@usa.redcross.org

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross helped more than 76,500 people through preparedness and training, military personnel support, senior lifesaving programs and services, emergency relief and information and referral. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.