(Canastota, Syracuse, NY – Jan. 2014) The American Red Cross of Central New York has selected Disaster Sheltering and Blood Services Support volunteer Frances Panek of Canastota as its Volunteer of the Month for December 2013.
The Volunteer of the Month program, sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts, recognizes dedicated Red Cross volunteers for their hard work and commitment to the humanitarian organization.
Panek started volunteering at the American Red Cross’ Madison-Oneida office in the city of Oneida because she wanted to give back to the community. She became the Blood Services Coordinator in Madison-Oneida and continues to assist that office by performing administrative tasks and coordinating blood drives.
More recently, Panek started working with the Disaster Shelter team at the American Red Cross of Central New York office in Syracuse. Bob Mueller, District Sheltering Lead in Syracuse, said Panek’s work has been instrumental in helping the office add and update information about potential Red Cross shelters throughout Central New York.
When Panek is not using her administrative support skills to help the Red Cross with blood drives and sheltering, she enjoys being active outdoors, jogging and snowshoeing.
Dunkin’ Donuts supplied Red Cross offices throughout Central and Northern New York with gift cards to distribute monthly to deserving volunteers. Panek received a $25 gift card as a token of appreciation for her volunteer service.