by Lucinda Perez
The American Red Cross will hold its annual Volunteer Recognition Awards ceremony on June 26, at the Moreno Valley Convention Center. Among the recognitions is the Rookie of the Year award; nominated this year for her efforts is Coachella Valley Weekly Sales Manager, Lisa Morgan.
Morgan, who has been working with CV Weekly since its inception earlier this year, has also been a volunteer for the American Red Cross’ Desert to the Sea Region chapter for nine months.
As a member of the Disaster Action Team, Morgan has exemplified the qualities in an exemplary volunteer.
“I’m honored to be recognized,” says Morgan, who was nominated by her peers, but she is very quick to point out that she is the lucky one, as she gets to bring a bit of light to those affected by terrible disasters.
Morgan remembers one of the calls she responded to in which the roof of a Palm Desert family’s home was burned in a fire. Morgan provided the family, all in shock over their loss, with the care packages.
For children in these situations, a small stuffed animal is also included. Luckily, Morgan had just stocked her supplies with some of the donated stuffed toys.
“Her face went from dazed to joy,” Morgan shares about the little, six year old girl who stood just staring at her home in shock, until she handed her a Mickey Mouse doll and explained to her that it was a gift from the American Red Cross.
She continues, explaining that she had overheard the little girl telling someone that the doll was a gift from America. “That’s exactly what it was. It was a gift from America,” Morgan says proudly.
The Red Cross’ support doesn’t stop at on-the-scene help. It also provides after-care, psychological care, and provides services to the Armed Forces of America – all with the help of faithful volunteers like Morgan.
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