The American Red Cross recently held a recognition event at the Corcoran Center in Austin to celebrate the many ways that volunteers bring the mission to life in their communities.

Years of service pins were given to several volunteers for five, 10, 15, or 20 years of service. Of special mention is Alice Tomaschko of Austin who received a 60-year pin and was also awarded Volunteer of the Year. The two other awards presented were the Jim Grunewald Award for Disaster Services, given to Bob Gebhardt of Waltham and the Eileen Nierengarten Lifetime Achievement Award, given to Deedee Marx of Austin.

“Our Red Cross volunteers are an essential part of our team,” said Melanie Tschida, Executive Director for the American Red Cross serving Southeast Minnesota. “Their efforts help save lives every day and offer hope to people in their darkest hours. We are grateful for their support and partnership.”

Volunteers in Minnesota enable the Red Cross to respond to more than 600 disasters every year and help train more than 80,000 people in lifesaving skills.