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

Benita Boyd, of Flagstaff, received the Exceptional Volunteer award which is given to someone who has gone above and beyond their volunteer position.

Benita wears many Red Cross hats. She is dedicated to the local office administration. She also offers support during disasters. In the office, she processes Health and Safety records and assists clients with agency referrals when Red Cross is unable to meet their needs. She also keeps the accounting records on track.

Colleague Stephanie Pringle is grateful to Benita for all that she does. “Benita is willing to take on a project of any kind,” said Stephanie. “She always goes the extra mile to help others.”

When local disaster volunteers are short-handed, Benita jumps in to help. Often times you’ll find her at the registration desk at disaster shelters. “She handles each unique situation with professionalism” adds Stephanie. “Benita is a terrific Red Cross ambassador in our community!”

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, like Benita, are everyday heroes. During our last fiscal year, volunteers gave more than 160,000 hours of service potentially saving the chapter $3,135,706 dollars! ###

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.