American Red Cross chapter honors Danny Wylam as Volunteer of the Year
Annie Harvey (from left), NRV chapter executive director; Danny Wylam, Volunteer of the Year; and Roger Hudson, NRV disaster services manager. Photo courtesy of American Red Cross
The New River Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross held their Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Thursday evening, Oct. 25. The dinner was held at Patty’s Kitchen Restaurant in Dublin.
Annie Harvey, executive director, welcomed everyone and introduced board members. Roger Hudson, disaster services manager, gave a brief overview of events that volunteers have been involved in since the beginning of the year. So far this year, Disaster Action Team members have responded to 14 house fires and eight storm cases. Red Cross has provided services, such as food, clothing and lodging to the families affected by these disasters.
The biggest event so far this year occurred at the end of June and first of July. The Virginia Derecho Storm affected 47 of the 50 counties in the Virginia Mountain Region. Across the region, Red Cross had 382 volunteers responding, 15 shelters set up, and two kitchens operating with seven emergency response vehicles in use. The region distributed 16,988 bulk items, gave out 478 comfort kits, and served 18,441 snacks and 15,310 meals.
Just in this area, the NRV chapter had five cooling stations opened and one overnight shelter. The chapter supported the Boy Scout Camp with transporting their food for one week.
At the end of August, Hurricane Isaac hit. For this three-week period, the Virginia Mountain Region had 42 volunteers deployed. From the NRV chapter, those deployed were Steve Pond, Danny Wylam, Doug Hardymon and Roger Hudson.
Danny Wylam, NRV volunteer from Christiansburg, was presented the Volunteer of the Year Award. Wylam has been an active volunteer currently serving as a mass care shelter supervisor and a leader on the Disaster Action Team. He has traveled on deployments not only in Virginia, but also to Louisana, California, Iowa, Florida and Texas. Just recently, Wylam became a disaster instructor for specialty training.
“Danny is an asset to our chapter, and we depend on his expertise, calm resolve and willingness to help out in whatever capacity he is needed. We are proud to have him as one of our volunteers,” said Harvey.
– Submitted by Roger Hudson, American Red Cross
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