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.
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
"For me, responding to home fires alongside fellow volunteers is not just a responsibility. It’s an honor."Javier Gonzalez Written by Javier Gonzalez, American Red Cross Volunteer and Board Member As a board member of the American Red Cross Kern County and Eastern Sierra Chapter, I have the privilege of seeing our mission from a strategic … Continue reading Answering the Call: What It Means to Serve on the Disaster Action Team
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
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 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
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
Red Cross Central California Blog 