During its annual meeting and volunteer celebration at the Calhoun First United Methodist Church, the American Red Cross of Northwest Georgia recognized outstanding community members for their volunteer efforts:

Bud Owens, director of Floyd Medical Center Emergency Medical Services and a former member of the American Red Cross Board of Directors, received the Honor Award – Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service. Bud has a long history with the American Red Cross and has dedicated hundreds of hours in support of the Red Cross.

Carol Nance, owner of Nance Carpets and a member of the American Red Cross Board of Directors, received the first ever Spirit of the Red Cross Award. This award was presented in honor of her dedication, goodwill and collaborative spirit in support of the American Red Cross of Northwest Georgia.

Debbye Blalock of Adairsville was named the Chapter Volunteer of the Year for her exceptional leadership in coordinating, motivating and successfully managing the chapter’s Client Assistance Team.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.

The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.