Iowa Celebrates Heroes Making a Difference

Iowans have until the end of the week to nominate individuals for the prestigious American Red Cross’ Heroes of the Heartland Awards. This annual event, as described by Emily Holley, the regional communications manager of the agency, aims to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes in our communities who go the extra mile.

Holley emphasizes that these awards are not just for celebrities or high-profile figures but for ordinary people who have done extraordinary deeds. It could be someone who bravely saved a life or an individual who saw a need in their community and took action, such as starting a food pantry or a charitable organization.

The impact of these everyday heroes is profound, leaving a positive and lasting mark on the residents of Iowa. The deadline for nominations is rapidly approaching, with Friday being the final day to submit entries.

According to Holley, the selection process involves a committee of Red Cross board members from all three Iowa chapters carefully reviewing each nomination. The chosen heroes will then be notified, a process that typically takes a couple of weeks.

For those interested in nominating a deserving individual, the process is straightforward. Simply visit the Red Cross website at RedCross.org/IA, navigate to the ‘Events’ section, and locate the ‘Heroes’ subsection to fill out an application. Alternatively, nominations can be sent via mail to the American Red Cross office in Des Moines, with the address provided as 2116 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312, Attn: Emily Holley.

The culmination of this heartwarming initiative will be a special event in Des Moines on March 25th, where the award winners will be publicly recognized and celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the community. So, if you know someone deserving of recognition, don’t hesitate to nominate them for the Heroes of the Heartland Awards before the deadline expires. Your actions could help shine a light on those who make a real difference in the lives of others.