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Tucson woman receives Red Cross Humanitarian Award

Posted at 9:45 AM, Apr 21, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-21 12:49:17-04

A Tucson resident will be honored Sunday by the American Red Cross for her exceptional volunteer work.

Elissa Maish volunteers 25-30 hours per week helping refugees locate missing family members. She began volunteering in 2002 after her retirement.

I had no idea that I could contribute in such a powerful way, especially when a client believes there is no-one left of their family mostly due to armed conflict, violence, migration or disaster, Maish said. Nothing replaces giving news that a loved one has been located. The Red Cross organization offers many ways to make this world a better place.

The American Red Cross says Maish is among 11 members who will be recognized at the annual volunteer award ceremony.

Elissa’s exceptional personal leadership, dedication and perseverance are a great example to other volunteers.  She has spent countless hours shepherding volunteers and employees through the learning process and inspires us all to try just one more avenue for a client, said Danielle Rudolph, Red Cross Greater Phoenix Chapter volunteer services specialist.