AUBURN - From the board of directors to the blood donors to those there to lend a hand in times of need, it is these volunteers who give their time, money and blood that have made the Red Cross Cayuga County Chapter function in its nearly 90 year history.

“It says it right in our mission statement,” said Susan Marteney, executive director of the chapter. “The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization led by volunteers. They are what make us work and help us carry through.”

Each year, during the chapter's annual September meeting, it takes time to pause and recognize the contributions these people make.

“Our volunteers are such a part of our day to day activities,” Marteney said. “We are forever grateful to all of them - we like to say volunteers past present and future. The people that donate blood or time or money, the people who help at the office folding news letters, no matter what it is they do the chapter wouldn't function without their important contributions.”

This year's volunteers of the year represent a diverse cross-section of the people that help make up the nature of the Red Cross.

Among those being recognized was new volunteer Linda Wills.

“I've been with the Red Cross for about a year,” Wills said. “After I retired I wanted something to do and this was one of the choices that appealed to me.”

Wills was recognized for her work as an office/administrative volunteer, an experience she said has been very rewarding.

“It is something that I really enjoy,” Wills said. “It has been a very good, positive experience for me.”

Vivien Lessaongang, a volunteer first aid and CPR instructor was recognized for her contributions as a health and safety volunteer.

During the four years that she has donated her time, Lessaongang said that there has been nothing like the experience of being able to use what she knows to help others.

“I always wanted to be able to help other people,” Lessaongang said. “I am very proud to be a part of the Red Cross and to be able to help people and to know that if anyone needs help it is just a phone call away. We call this a team at the Red Cross and this really is a team and a team that I am very proud to be a part of.”

During the ceremonies, volunteers along with friends and family, were treated various desserts, something a little new to the usual proceedings.

“People usually have a great time,” Marteney said. “This year we have had the board of directors baking and getting desserts and apple pies and brownies together and we have sundaes so everyone can make their own and a little musical entertainment. We wanted to make this a very nice award ceremony and do something nice for all the people that give so much to making what we do here possible.”

To have the light shone on those that are so often behind the scenes has come as an honor to this year's award recipients.

“It is an honor that I am very appreciative of,” Lessaongang said. “It is a little embarrassing to be honored for something that I enjoy doing so much. I get to work with so many great people and this is something that I love to do and I would be doing no matter what, but to be recognized for it is a really great honor.”

Red Cross honorees

Health and Safety Volunteers of the Year: Vivien Lessaongang and Brian Murphy

Emergency Services Volunteer of the Year: Jim Burlingame

Blood Services Volunteer of the Year: Millie Lewis

Office/Administrative Support

Volunteers of the Year: Clara

Crocker and Linda Wills