(PHOENIX) April 19, 2010 – Grand Canyon Chapter volunteers, including two from the east valley, were honored at the annual Volunteer Recognition event held at the Black Canyon Conference Center in Phoenix on Saturday, April 17, 2010.

Red Cross volunteers touch the lives of Arizonans every day by providing disaster relief, teaching people how to save lives and keeping Arizona military families connected by relaying critical messages around the world. Red Cross volunteers are everyday heroes.

Ruth Broos, of Chandler, received a Rookie of the Year award which is given to someone who has been a volunteer for two years or less and has done something outstanding. Ruth launched a Red Cross Club at Ryan Elementary School and the Boys and Girls Club in Chandler. Now, more young people in the east valley are learning about the Red Cross and are participating in community service projects. Ruth also responds to local disasters ensuring victims have a safe place, food and emotional support. This dedicated volunteer also provides support on the Red Cross public affairs team.

Stan Cizek, of Scottsdale, also received a Rookie of the Year award. Stan has been pivotal in getting the Health and Safety Logistics room down right organized. He implemented a bin packing system for instructors that is simple and effective. He’s created a volunteer program within logistics for short term assignments. Stan’s good nature, energy and enthusiasm are also drawing others to be a part of the logistics team!

Volunteers, like Ruth and Stan, are the lifeblood of this organization, making up 96-percent of our workforce. During our last fiscal year, volunteers gave more than 160,000 hours of service potentially saving the chapter $3,135,706 dollars!

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About the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter

The Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross is where people in Arizona come together to help each other every day. The volunteer-led organization serves more than 4.4 million people in communities across Apache, Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma counties. Red Cross volunteers provide disaster relief to their neighbors affected by disasters, emergency assistance to members of the Armed Forces, preparedness and safety education to families and businesses, and international communications assistance for refugees. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on the generosity of our Arizona neighbors in the forms of time, money, and blood to do its work. To make a financial donation, enroll for a lifesaving skills course, register to volunteer, request disaster assistance or Armed Forces emergency assistance, contact your local American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter by visiting www.arizonaredcross.org or calling (602) 336-6660. To give blood, visit www.givelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.