Local Recognized For Volunteering
Rome, GA, July 19, 2018 – At their July Disaster Action Team (DAT) meeting held last week,
Northwest Georgia Red Cross program manager Carla Maton and new Executive Director Larry
Brooks recognized local volunteers for their outstanding response efforts during fiscal year 2018 (July
1, 2017 – June 30, 2018).
“The almost daily home fires we respond to in Northwest Georgia are sometimes overshadowed by
highly visible disasters happening nationwide,” said Maton. “We want to take some time tonight to
recognize the outstanding work of this team’s everyday responses and casework, and the impact our
volunteers have on local communities.”
Maton announced that DAT volunteers opened 340 new cases for assistance in Northwest Georgia
last year and helped nearly 1,000 people with their immediate emergency needs for lodging, food,
clothing and health and emotional support following a variety of incidents. Volunteers Keith Cheek,
Floyd County, Bill Leiper, Catoosa County, Kelly Anderson, Bartow County and Anne Kruegar,
Chattooga County received special recognition for their many disaster responses.
Eager to meet and thank volunteers was new Northwest Georgia executive director Larry Brooks,
who joined the Red Cross on July 9, 2018. Brooks previously served with Walker County
Government for more than a decade in various roles, most notably as the county’s economic
development director.
| What an honor it is for me to continue to serve our Northwest Georgia community in this role,” said Brooks. “I’m so excited to be working with this group of dedicated volunteers who assist local families with Red Cross services whenever disasters and emergencies happen. |
| The American Red Cross of Northwest Georgia serves 13 counties, including Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray, Gilmer, Fannin, Union, Chattooga, Gordon, Floyd, Bartow, and Polk. It operates out of two locations in Rome and Calhoun. Some 100 volunteers from the area are registered as disaster responders and more are always needed. Anyone interested in volunteering or in need of disaster assistance is invited to call 844-536-6226 to speak to a representative. |