MINOT, ND (KXNET) — At the heart of the American Red Cross are volunteers, and the organization honored its volunteers at a recognition event in Minot.

The celebration highlighted the role volunteers play in disaster response, community preparedness, and support for military families in western North Dakota.

“We’re proud to recognize these dedicated volunteers,” said the Executive Director of the American Red Cross serving Western North Dakota, Zoe Wergeland Manstrom. “They give their time and energy to help neighbors in need. Their compassion makes our work possible across western North Dakota.”

Over the last year, volunteers in North Dakota have made these impacts:

• Made 225 homes safe with free smoke alarm installations and safety planning
• Taught emergency preparedness to over 1,200 kids
• Responded to 65 disasters
• Support over 250 disaster survivors
• Deployed volunteers for 142 days to national disaster relief operations
• Delivered 80 emergency messages and 66 pre-deployment briefings for military families
• Helped 63 military families get emergency financial assistance

Among those recognized in Minot was Judi Leonard, who got a pin for over 6,000 hours of service.

“I know I can make a difference — help people when they need help,” Leonard said. “I’ve made a lot of good friends.”

Honorees for 2025 included;

• Kyle Pearson from Bismarck, who received the Disaster Cycle Services Volunteer of the Year
• Mary Mahoney from Bismarck, who received the New Volunteer of the Year
• Brian Weigel from Bismarck, who received the Exceptional Leadership Volunteer of the Year
• Auston Biles from Beulah, who received the Disaster Cycle Services Volunteer of the Year

To learn about how you can volunteer, you can visit this website.