Terri Esposito, volunteer Disaster Action Team Leader from South Plainfield, was named our Volunteer of the Year for 2008 at our annual meeting in June. Today Gannett published an article about Terri in the Courier News and the Home News Tribune. This picture accompanied it. You can click through to the story or read the text after the jump.

Shally Madhok of Edison was on a mission when she volunteered at the Tri-County Red Cross Plainfield Office: to complete 100 hours of voluntary service in three weeks time.  

Shally was confident that she could learn and manage any project given to her including both databases and their intricate programs; research and development of a comprehensive community event calendar; and most recently she updated the design and information for our chapter volunteer brochure.

"Shally has impressed me with her tenacity on each project she is given," said Corinna Krauskopf, Development and Marketing Officer.  "She has mastered programs and managed projects at a level normally found with volunteers who have been with us for years, not weeks."

Unfortunately Shally's time with us is limited to four weeks because she is due to return to India to complete her education.  But in her time here, the work she has accomplished will leave lasting effects through the chapter and its team.  We are all sorry to see her go and she has promised to return to us when her education is done in India.

Shally Madhok is truly a great example of what a dedicated volunteer can do with the Tri-County Red Cross regardless of background, experience or age.  She is well on her way to reaching her goal of 100 hours with the Tri-County Red Cross.

Did we mention she is only 14?

If you would like to volunteer with the Tri-County Red Cross, please contact Youth and Volunteer Services Director Victor Webb at 908-756-6414 or webbv@usa.redcross.org.

The Tri-County Red Cross is happy to announce April's Volunteer of the Month, to the late Anita D, Kish (9/10/1915 - 4/1/2008).

Kish was one of the historical Red Cross Gray Ladies, named for the volunteer uniforms they wore during WWII. She lived in Fanwood and volunteered for over 20 years at various organizations in the Central NJ area. We were proud to call Mrs. Kish a friend as she helped out at blood drives and shared stories about the wonderful things the Red Cross did in her local community.

"Mrs. Kish's accomplishments are an inspiration to us all," said Nathan Rudy, CEO of the Tri-County Red Cross chapter.  "We are honored to have had her as a volunteer."

Her award was accepted by lifelong friend, Lieselotte Schmiede of Fanwood.

If you would like to volunteer for the Tri-County Red Cross please contact our Director of Youth and Volunteer Services at 908-756-6414 or email webbv@usa.redcross.org.