Red Cross Central California Blog
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.
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
By Mason Hodges, Red Cross Communications Volunteer As the holiday season approaches, many of us reflect on what matters most — family, community and the spirit of giving. In Ventura County, Lori Kleiman embodies all of these values. Known for her compassion, creativity and calm in the face of crisis, Lori wears many hats: full-time … Continue reading The Greatest Gift: Lori Kleiman Finds Joy in Serving Others
By Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer No matter how long someone has been a Red Cross volunteer, chances are they’ve heard of Robert “Bob” Strojek. With nearly a decade of service to the American Red Cross, Bob’s journey began when then-Disaster Program Manager Kurt Russell attended a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) class Bob was … Continue reading Serving with Purpose: Bob Strojek’s Red Cross Legacy
Jordon's Journey: Connecting Troops with Essential Support By Dave Wagner, Communications Volunteer When Jordon Barney received his deployment assignment to go overseas, he felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. As a Regional Program Specialist deployed with the American Red Cross’ Service to the Armed Forces team, he knew the work ahead would be meaningful, … Continue reading Living the Mission: Supporting Service Members From the Heart of Poland and Romania
Written by Mason Hodges, Communications Volunteer You don’t need a disaster to see the impact of the Red Cross. Sometimes, it starts with a conversation at a community table. Sometimes, it’s a smoke alarm installed in a quiet home. And sometimes, it’s someone like Margarita Moreno, a Red Crosser whose presence alone keeps the beat … Continue reading Margarita Moreno: Building Trust, One Connection at a Time
By Alvaro Martinez and Mason Hodges, Communications Volunteers Click here to read this story in Spanish When disaster strikes, Jesús Sotelo doesn’t hesitate — he acts. Born in Acapulco, Guerrero, México, Jesús grew up in a community where music, faith and service were deeply woven into everyday life. In the 1980s, he and a group … Continue reading From Guerrero to California: Jesús Sotelo’s Quiet Revolution of Service
Por Alvaro Martinez y Mason Hodges, Voluntarios de Comunicaciones Cuando ocurre un desastre, Jesús Sotelo no lo duda: actúa. Nacido en Acapulco, Guerrero, México, Jesús creció en una comunidad donde la música, la fe y el servicio estaban profundamente entrelazados en la vida cotidiana. En los años 80, él y un grupo de amigos formaron … Continue reading De Guerrero a California: La Revolución Silenciosa del Servicio de Jesús Sotelo
By Alison Votaw, Communications Volunteer Maria Stevens believes that through adversity, we build strength. Her journey began long before she joined the American Red Cross as a Community Disaster Program Manager in 2023. At just 8 years old, Maria and her family moved from their comfortable home in Mexico to Downey, California, as political refugees. … Continue reading Lessons Learned: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Red Cross Central California Blog 