The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
By Anna Kumor, Red Cross Communications Volunteer From blood donor to plasma recipient to Red Cross volunteer, Carol Freeland embodies the full circle of the Red Cross experience. Her journey is not just one of service, but of survival — and gratitude that fuels her every day at the Red Cross office in Camarillo, where … Continue reading Full Circle Giving
National Heart Month is a reminder of something simple but powerful: in the moments when a life hangs in the balance, it’s often a nearby neighbor or a Good Samaritan who becomes the first source of hope. Cardiac emergencies can happen anywhere — at a food distribution site, in a community center or during an … Continue reading Investing in Community Heart Beats
How one Red Crosser carries forward the strength of generations while building bridges to new possibilities By Tyniquea Edwards, Red Cross Volunteer I’m often the quiet presence at the edge of the room — listening more than speaking, noticing what others overlook. I’m the person who remembers the small detail you mentioned weeks ago, who … Continue reading Held by Roots, Moved by Purpose
If you ask Gerald to describe himself, he won’t start with titles, ranks or achievements. He’ll simply say, “I’m just Gerald — someone who cares about people, someone willing to listen and someone who’ll help however he can.” That’s how he moves through the world: grounded, steady and guided by values instilled long before he … Continue reading Gerald’s Way of Showing Up
Susan Lugo has always sought out new adventures. Just four days after graduating high school in the Central Valley, she joined the United States Marine Corps to see the world. For four years, she learned resilience, teamwork and the joy of being part of something bigger than herself. That same spirit carried her to the … Continue reading Finding Adventure Through the American Red Cross
First responders serve our communities 24/7. So, when the American Red Cross alerted the public about a severe blood shortage last month, it was no surprise that dedicated firefighters and police officers stepped up to assist. To support the Red Cross blood supply, local first responders created the Battle of the Badges, a friendly competition … Continue reading Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
By Steve Medina, Red Cross Volunteer Every day, countless people give their time and talent to ensure lifesaving blood gets to those who need it most. Many of them work behind the scenes to ensure that hospitals are ready for emergencies and families have hope when seconds count. Jennie Griggs is one of those people. … Continue reading Jennie Griggs’ Mission to Support Blood Donors and the Gift of Life
For families who have lost everything in a home fire, the holiday season can feel especially heavy. So again this year, the American Red Cross partnered with the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) through the Spark of Love program to deliver toys, trees, and holiday cheer to children whose families are rebuilding after devastating losses. … Continue reading Red Cross and VCFD Bring Holiday Hope to Families After Home Fires
By Anna Kumor, Red Cross Communications Volunteer You can always count on Linda Carralejo to stay calm in an emergency. For 35 years, Linda was the reassuring voice answering 9-1-1 calls as a dispatcher for the Ventura Police Department. After retiring, she took some well-deserved rest and relaxation before finding her next calling: volunteering. “I … Continue reading Linda Carralejo’s Second Act as Red Cross Volunteer: 40 Years of Public Service, and Counting!
By Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer “Knowing that one donation can save more than one life motivates me to give back and support my community in any way I can.” – Jessica Steele Jessica Steele is a 30-year-old single mother who is devoted to saving lives. Having worked in the medical field since she … Continue reading How Blood Donor, Jessica Steele, is Helping Save Lives
Red Cross Central California Blog 