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.
By Cindy Huge, Red Cross Communications Volunteer A twelve-year-old girl thought she had lost everything in a home fire. After being alerted by her dog's frantic barking, she discovered her family home was on fire. With smoke and flames spreading quickly, she escaped safely and immediately called her mother at work with the devastating news. … Continue reading Young Musician’s Beloved Violin Recovered from Fire
By Margarita Moreno, Disaster Risk Reduction Manager As summer continues in Tulare County, families are looking forward to longer days, backyard gatherings, trips to local lakes and pools, and more time spent outdoors. For many parents, however, summer also brings new responsibilities — keeping children safe around water, preparing for extreme heat, and knowing what … Continue reading Building Safer Summers: Tulare County Families Gain Confidence, Connection and Lifesaving Skills
By Alison Votaw, Red Cross Communications Volunteer For 35 years, Vicki Dellone wore a badge with the Fresno Police Department, dedicating her career to protecting and serving her community. Retirement could have marked the end of that chapter. Instead, it opened the door to a new one. Today, Vicki serves as a Disaster Action Team … Continue reading From Blue to Red: Vicki Dellone’s Lifelong Commitment to Service
“The Red Cross gives people hope during really difficult moments,” he said. “I wanted to be part of that.”Joshua De La Cruz By Steve Medina, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Joshua De La Cruz expected his first day with the Red Cross to be simple. A quick meeting. A few onboarding questions. Getting to know the … Continue reading A First Day Like No Other: From Orientation to a Disaster Response
“The satisfaction of knowing you helped someone through their toughest time is worth it.”Conner Hunter By Sarah Borcena, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Conner Hunter began volunteering with the American Red Cross Disaster Action Team in November 2025, joining a growing wave of Gen Z volunteers stepping up to help people in crisis. Across the country, … Continue reading A New Generation of Service: How One Gen Z Volunteer is Making a Difference
By Anna Kumor, Red Cross Communications Volunteer For Micaela Duarte, volunteering is not about filling shifts — it is about helping people discover how their time and talents can create real change. As a Volunteer Recruiter, Micaela connects people to meaningful opportunities that strengthen communities and build long‑term engagement with the American Red Cross. Originally … Continue reading Connecting Passion to Purpose: Micaela Duarte Helps Volunteers Create Lasting Impact
From disaster responses to community events, Jeff’s dedication shows how one volunteer can make a profound difference in a short amount of time. By Cindy Huge, Red Cross Volunteer After retiring, Jeff Martin knew he wasn’t ready to slow down. He wanted to do something meaningful — something that would let him give back to … Continue reading Jeff Martin: A Heart for Service
In celebration of Red Cross Month and Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the generations of women who strengthen their communities through service. Among them is a mother–daughter duo whose shared commitment to helping others has become a family tradition of giving back.
“For me, the gratitude that I get out of volunteering is being able to help the victims of disasters, whether it's small or large.” Darrin Hughes By Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Battalion Chief Darrin Hughes began his fire service journey in 1991 with the San Joaquin Delta Fire Department near Stockton, CA, before … Continue reading Darrin Hughes: Fire Battalion Chief Turned Dedicated Red Cross Volunteer
By Alison Votaw, Red Cross Communications Volunteer When Leanna Carskaddon, Senior Volunteer Recruitment Specialist at the American Red Cross, looks around a room full of Red Cross volunteers, she can barely get through a speech without getting emotional. Leanna is constantly amazed by the local volunteers who constantly show up for their community every day. … Continue reading Something Bigger Than Yourself: 13 Years of Service Through the Eyes of Leanna Carskaddon
Red Cross Central California Blog 