Massapequa Park resident Linda Cohn's service with the American Red Cross began with a television program about the not-for-profit organization, and a call for volunteers. Cohn heeded the call, and 18 months later was honored at the 85th Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon of the American Red Cross in Nassau County.

The luncheon, held recently at The Cottage at Milleridge Inn in Jericho, recognized the humanitarian-minded efforts of the organization's 1,800 local volunteers. Cohn received the Specific Services Award in Emergency Services. For the past 18 months, she served as a disaster action team captain, which required her to be "on call" the second week of every month to respond to local disasters.

Cohn said that she was "mostly embarrassed" by receiving the award, and stressed that she volunteers solely to help others in need, not to be recognized. "Ms. Cohn has performed with the utmost sense of responsibility," said Harriette Thayer, American Red Cross board chairperson. "Currently she is serving as chairman of Emergency Services and delivering outstanding service."

Cohn has had many notable experiences as a Disaster Action team captain. She supported the relief efforts of the Westchester County Chapter of the American Red Cross in September 1999 in the wake of the floods caused by Tropical Storm Floyd. Additionally, she provided case management for families who were forced to evacuate their homes and stayed at the Red Cross shelter established at Nassau Community College due to the storm. She was also a family services provider for victims of a multiple family apartment fire at 100 Terrace Ave. in Hempstead that occurred Dec. 16, 2000.

"I get more satisfaction out of volunteering than many people get out of their paid positions," Cohn said.

The American Red Cross is a not-for-profit humanitarian service organization that is not a government agency, receives no government funding, and relies on the generous donations of others. The Red Cross provides emergency assistance to victims of disasters, such as hurricanes, winter storms, fires, floods, and man-made disasters. They also teach CPR, First Aid, Water Safety, Infant/Child CPR and other health-related courses. The American Red Cross provides services to youth and the military, and their families.

To volunteer or make a financial contribution, call the Nassau County chapter at 747-3500.