On Thursday, the American Red Cross Northern California Blood
Services Region presented local Margaret Rose Prewett and four
others with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a national
honor offered in recognition of volunteer service, according to a
press statement.
On Thursday, the American Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region presented several locals with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a national honor offered in recognition of volunteer service, according to a press statement.
Margaret Rose Prewett, a Paicines resident, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award (PVSA), having logged more than 4,500 hours of volunteer service with the Red Cross.
“As a nurse, you give a lot of blood,” Prewett said. “Well, I wasn’t able to donate, but I found you can do other things like volunteer.”
The former Red Cross volunteer worked at Hollister blood drives, where she served as a blood donor ambassador at registration – greeting donors and helping them sign in – and in the canteen area, according to the organization.
After donating blood, donors are required to rest for 15 minutes in a refreshment area referred to as the “canteen,” according to the Red Cross. Prewett would provide donors with juice and snacks, which help restore the fluids and nutrients lost during the donation process. She would also provide educational information and help donors schedule their next appointment.
As a blood donor ambassador, Prewett was often the face of the Red Cross to many donors. It was her job to thank them for their donations, make sure they were comfortable and make sure each of them felt appreciated.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation on behalf of the president of the United States to recognize the best in American spirit, and to encourage all Americans to improve their communities through volunteer service.
For more information on volunteering with the Red Cross, please visit our website, redcrossblood.org.
The following volunteers were also honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award:
Gold Level Honorees (500 or more hours)
Helen Casillas of Hollister (550)
Sally Silva of Hollister (514)
Silver Level Honorees (250-499 hours)
Margaret Prewett of Hollister (431) – This is Margaret Rose Prewett’s daughter
Bronze Level Honorees (100-249 hours)
Amy Donati of Hollister (128)
