By Cynthia Rodriguez, Communications Volunteer
Bold. That is how one could describe the ambitious, driven and altruistic Annika Garcia.
Annika comes from humble beginnings as a first-generation Latina, and often visited her mom at work. Her mom’s work in the medical field introduced Annika to the American Red Cross. On one of her visits to the hospital, Annika saw a Red Cross sign and it piqued her interest to join the youth disaster academy, which is where she met Micaela Duarte, a member of the Volunteer Services Team.
While a professional relationship was blooming, it nourished Annika’s passion project idea. Annika wanted to give back to her community by acknowledging and helping the farm workers in Ventura County. Annika stated fiercely that “farm workers are the backbone of Ventura County,” and had the intention to help them by organizing a donation drive to prevent heat-related illnesses. She was connected with Diana Manzo-Prado, our Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager.
As a senior at St. Bonaventure High School, she was juggling AP exams, and running the Red Cross Club as Club President. With Micaela and Diana’s guidance, Annika felt supported and encouraged to execute this project.
Annika not only met with many clubs, but motivated her student colleagues to promote the donation drive, and had seven Ventura County clubs show up. She created flyers, helped decide what items to collect (bandanas, sunscreen, socks, beanies, deodorant, hand sanitizer), and kept in contact with the participating clubs to ensure their donation drives were running. On collection day, Annika ran the show – She took in the donated items, checked in the student helpers, and guided them in creating 60 mini first aid kits and filling 60 bags with the donated items.
On donation day, Annika shared the excitement of the day she was handing out kits to the farm workers, and was elated to have Friends of Fieldworkers support her. The one word Annika would use to describe her experience is gratitude because she saw the positive impact it had on her community and the people she cares about.
Annika is beyond grateful for the amazing experiences that being an American Red Cross volunteer has brought to her. Her Red Cross Community ─ Red Cross employees and volunteers that she has met throughout her Red Cross journey ─ inspires her to continue volunteering.
On International Youth Day, the American Red Cross celebrates our young volunteers and their support of our mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.
We are proud of our commitment to youth and value their many contributions to the organization. Volunteers like Annika embody both the present and the future of the Red Cross. By actively participating in our services and programs, young people gain firsthand experience with the humanitarian values at the heart of our mission. Through their involvement, they are not only making a difference today—they are also growing into the future leaders, volunteers, blood donors and advocates who will carry our mission forward.
Red Cross Central California Blog 