The event brought together educators, first responders, nonprofit leaders, and volunteers who have made meaningful contributions to their communities over the past year. Organizers said the goal of the awards is to highlight everyday individuals who are making a difference through service, innovation, and compassion.

“Behind every strong community are people who step up when it matters most,” said event coordinator Melissa Grant. “This evening is about recognizing those individuals who go above and beyond without expecting recognition.”

Awards were presented in several categories, each highlighting a unique form of community contribution.

The Community Service Award was given to a local nonprofit volunteer who has spent years organizing food drives and coordinating outreach efforts for families in need. Through partnerships with local businesses and schools, the volunteer helped distribute thousands of meals throughout the region.

A Public Safety Award recognized a group of emergency responders who acted quickly during a recent residential fire, helping evacuate families and prevent further damage. Their coordinated response and calm under pressure were credited with keeping the situation from becoming more severe.

In the Education Excellence category, a high school counselor was honored for expanding college readiness programs and helping students navigate financial aid and career planning. The counselor’s efforts have led to a measurable increase in college enrollment among graduating seniors.

A Youth Leadership Award celebrated a local teenager who has dedicated hundreds of hours to community projects, including environmental cleanups, tutoring younger students, and organizing donation drives.

Business leaders were also recognized for their contributions. A small, family-owned company received the Community Partnership Award for supporting local events, sponsoring youth programs, and providing resources to area nonprofits.

Organizers emphasized that while the award recipients represent a wide range of fields, they share a common commitment to improving the lives of others.

“These stories remind us that impact doesn’t always come from large-scale efforts,” Grant said. “Sometimes it’s the consistent, everyday actions that create lasting change.”

The event concluded with a call for continued community involvement, encouraging residents to stay engaged, support local initiatives, and recognize the contributions of those around them.

Nominations for next year’s awards are expected to open later this year, with organizers inviting community members to submit individuals and organizations who are making a positive difference.

The post Local Leaders and Volunteers Honored at Regional Community Impact Awards appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, CALIF. — December 2, 2024 — The American Red Cross is looking for local heroes to be honored at the annual Red Cross Inland Empire Heroes Awards on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Ontario Convention Center.

At the 2025 Inland Empire Heroes Awards, local heroes will be celebrated for acts of heroism and humanitarian service and attendees can hear moving stories of courage, compassion, and community impact.

Nominate lifesavers and difference makers in the following categories:

• Animal Welfare Hero: Presented to an animal that has protected a human or another animal in a time of need, to a person who has rescued an animal from a traumatic situation, to an animal that is making a difference to impact someone’s life, or to an individual that cares for animals.
• Corporate Hero: A business or organization that has contributed significantly to the American Red Cross mission and/or made a positive impact in our community.
• Disaster Services Hero: An individual or an organization that has exhibited heroic efforts in any or all of the areas of disaster services, including preparedness, response or recovery during a natural disaster or emergency situation through mission-driven response assistance to people in need.
• First Responder Hero: Presented to a professional or volunteer serving as a law enforcement official, firefighter, first responder or responder in the medical or healthcare field. This award is presented to a person or persons who has exhibited heroism in their response to an emergency, on or off-duty, through acts of courage or selflessness.
• Gift of Life Hero: An individual or group that supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross through blood or platelet donations or inspiring others to give blood or platelets.
• Good Samaritan Hero: Presented to a person that has demonstrated outstanding heroism, skill, commitment, or resourcefulness in attempt to save one or more lives by utilizing skills aligned with those taught in American Red Cross programs such as CPR/AED/First Aid or other health and preparedness training.
• Service to the Armed Forces Hero: Presented to a member of the armed forces (active or veteran, commissioned or non-commissioned) whose heroic action(s) demonstrated exceptional courage or improved the welfare of the military community. This award may be presented posthumously and may also be awarded to ROTC members or to civilians/organizations that have made a significant impact on the military community.
• Youth Hero (age 18 or younger): Presented to a youth in the community who has demonstrated courage, initiative and/or compassion in the spirit of the American Red Cross in service to another individual or the welfare of the region.
  

HOW TO NOMINATE A HERO

• Nominations are due by Friday, December 20, 2024.
• Submit via Online Nomination Form:redcross.org/IEHeroes
• Submit via Email: Download the nomination form at redcross.org/IEHeroes and email completed nomination form to socalevents@redcross.org.
• Submit via Mail: Download the nomination form at redcross.org/IEHeroes and mail completed nomination form and any supporting materials to:
  
  American Red Cross
  Attn: Karyssa Heggie
  600 Parkcenter Dr.
  Santa Ana, CA 92705

For more information, please visit redcross.org/IEHeroes, email socalevents@redcross.org or call 949-226-2348.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/SoCal or cruzrojaamericana.org, or connect with the Southern California Region on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube.

The post Local Red Cross Seeks Hometown Hero Nominations for Inland Empire Heroes Awards appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.