Albertson honored as Kaua‘i Red Cross volunteer of year

LIHU‘E — Elaine Albertson will be honored as the 2011 Kaua‘i County Red Cross Volunteer of the Year at the Red Cross Heroes Breakfast on Oct. 15, a news release states.

Elaine has been a dedicated Red Cross volunteer on Kaua‘i since 2008. She holds several key positions as a disaster volunteer, the release states.

She is the Red Cross liaison who reports to the Kaua‘i County Emergency Operations Center during times of major disasters. She relays vital communication to Red Cross and other community agencies. She often uses her skills as a ham radio operator to ensure proper communication is delivered, the release states.

Albertson is also Kaua‘i’s primary disaster hotline dispatcher, on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. She responds to or deploys out Red Cross volunteers during times of disasters. She is also is a disaster instructor, providing training to other volunteer disaster responders.

In addition, Albertson represents the Red Cross at community disaster presentations where critical information is shared with the public on being ready before disasters strike. She is committed to keeping the local communities prepared. Elaine has ensured the Red Cross has a strong presence in Kaua‘i County.

The Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization which provides assistance for immediate emergency needs of those affected by disasters. All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims is free. The Red Cross is not a government agency but depends on public contributions to help others, the release states. Y

To send a contribution, mail your check to American Red Cross, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816 or make a secure online donation at www.hawaiiredcross.org or call: (808) 739-8109.