Santa Cruz area volunteer recognized by international humanitarian relief organization

SARASOTA, Fla., March 8, 2012 – During its annual Humanitarian Awards dinner in Orlando, Fla., international disaster relief organization ShelterBox USA honored Santa Cruz resident, Keith Henderson, for his support of the charity’s efforts to provide emergency shelter and life-saving equipment to disaster survivors worldwide.

ShelterBox provides humanitarian aid in the form of an iconic green box, which contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family, stove, blankets and water filtration system, among other tools to help a family rebuild their lives after disaster.

A member of the Santa Cruz Rotary Club and senior project manager at Barry Swenson Builder, Keith Henderson received the Young ShelterBox Outreach Award for actively engaging youth in disaster awareness and global citizenship through ShelterBox in his community.

Henderson whose more than year-long commitment to inspiring and engaging Interactors, which are members of Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 12 to 18, led to significant support for ShelterBox.

Supported by other teammates in the region, Henderson led kick-off events, attended multiple charity dinners and participated in overnight camping fundraisers.

“Keith’s efforts led to nearly $100,000 in support for ShelterBox from area youth,” said Emily Sperling, ShelterBox USA president. “His support and that of our other volunteers is crucial in helping us raise awareness so that we can help the world’s most vulnerable families after disaster.” 

Henderson has also been recognized by President Obama and ShelterBox USA with a Presidential Volunteer Service Award for his efforts—specifically, contributing more than 250 hours of volunteer service in the last year. The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a special recognition presented on behalf of President Barack Obama. The award is part of a national recognition program created in 2003 through the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation for individuals of all ages who contribute a significant amount of time to volunteer activities.

ShelterBox currently has teams responding to flooding and an earthquake in the Philippines, as well as a cyclone that struck the eastern shores of Madagascar. 

Since 2000, ShelterBox has delivered humanitarian aid in the form of equipment and materials that provide shelter, warmth and dignity to people affected by natural and other disasters following more than 170 disasters in 80 countries. ShelterBox’s American affiliate, ShelterBox USA is nationally headquartered in Sarasota, Florida. Individual tax-deductible donations to ShelterBox USA can be made at www.shelterboxusa.org or (941) 907-6036. Location and time specific donations cannot be accepted.