American Red Cross in Nassau County (ARC/Nassau) volunteer Linda Cohn of Massapequa Park recently received ARC/Nassau's highly regarded Clara Barton Volunteer Leadership Award, which is named after the founder of the American Red Cross, for her endless compassion and dedication to others during times of disaster.

She received the award during ARC/Nassau's 87th Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon June 18 at the Cottage at Milleridge Inn, in Jericho. In all, ARC/Nassau presented 12 awards for various categories, including volunteers who have helped local military families during the Iraqi conflict.

"Linda is an amazing humanitarian-minded individual who gives tirelessly and selflessly to help others through the American Red Cross," said Harriette P. Thayer, ARC/Nassau Chairman of the Board. "She has helped many individuals and families in need because of disasters."

Whether it was a fire leaving 11 people homeless in Freeport last December, or the devastating fire at the Nathan Hale Senior Village in Lynbrook last year, Cohn is dedicated to helping like no one else. For example, during the Lynbrook response, she went beyond the call of duty when she organized a reunion luncheon for all the seniors a week after the fire.

"Listening to Linda talk so compassionately about the struggles of families and how she and the American Red Cross are helping is phenomenal," said Joan Desir, ARC/Nassau Director of Volunteer Resources. "Linda has a tireless enthusiasm for helping people affected by every local disaster, large or small."

Most vividly, Cohn helped organize the biggest response in Red Cross history September 11, 2001. She also ran several successful fundraisers to support ARC/Nassau Armed Forces Emergency Services briefings to inform deploying military reservists and their families of vital Red Cross services, such as emergency communication, financial assistance, and counseling.

Cohn began volunteering for ARC/Nassau approximately six years ago after seeing a PBS film showing the international response to a hurricane in Puerto Rico. The Red Cross expressed the need for dedicated volunteers from around the world and Cohn was moved to respond. She quickly became a member of the ARC/Nassau's Disaster Action Team and was eventually promoted to Captain. She did not stop there. Her compassion for others in need and dedication to helping her community enabled her to excel and become Chairman of Emergency Services, a leading volunteer position. Then, as of July 2002, she was brought on as a member of the Board of Directors, which enables her to help steer the long-term direction of the Red Cross.