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Heart of the Valley chapter honors local volunteers
Red Cross
Beatty red cross
As part of the presentation of Chapter and Regional Awards, Oakdale resident John Beatty, center, was recognized by American Red Cross officials with the Biomedical Services – Donor Ambassador Award during the Heart of the Valley chapter ceremony. Photo By Rebecca Rogers/American Red Cross

The American Red Cross Heart of the Valley Chapter honored local residents and community partners at the 2026 Chapter Awards and Volunteer Recognition Event, hosted recently at Greens on Tenth in Modesto.

Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Leadership

Named after the founder of the Red Cross, the award recognizes a volunteer for their years of service in various leadership positions. Jane Knowles from Lodi was awarded this year’s highest honor.

Chapter & Regional Awards

In addition, the following awards were given to local Red Crossers and partners:

Biomedical Services – Donor Ambassador Award: John Beatty (Oakdale), Sally Mecham (Bethel Island).

Biomedical Services – Transportation Specialist Award: Henry Winters (Modesto), Deborah Head (Stockton).

Community Engagement Award: Karen Gonzalez (San Joaquin County).

Department Support Services Award: Lucinda Leite (Lodi), Dustin Parks (Turlock).

Disaster Cycle Services Award for Extraordinary Commitment and Dedication: Frank Rivera (Los Banos).

Disaster Cycle Services – Extraordinary Leadership: Suzanne Fisher (Ripon).

Good Neighbor & Partnership Award: Casey Wilson (Merced County).

New Volunteer Award a.k.a. “Rookie of the Year”: Gabriel Ortiz Lepe (Los Banos).

Teamwork and Collaboration Award: Sharon Jerome and Anes Rani (Mountain House).

Volunteer of the Year Award: Laura Galvez (Stockton).

Youth Services Award: Rohan Pandey (Stockton).

“We’re celebrating something truly incredible; we’re celebrating the people who show up and give their time, energy and compassion,” said Justin Mueller, CEO of the Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “Our volunteers spend countless hours preparing for moments we all hope never happen. And when those moments do arrive, we see more than their skills, but their character as well.”

Become a Red Cross Volunteer

Community members can make a difference in San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced counties by becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Volunteers are continually trained to meet the needs of those affected by disasters – providing food, shelter, and comfort to families; and they help local residents prepare for and recover from emergencies of all kinds. Red Cross volunteers also aid military members, veterans and their families; support the collection of 40% of the nation’s blood; and provide humanitarian aid across the globe. Those interested in finding the right position for their specific skills and talents can visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started.

The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow them on social media.