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 Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer I immediately spotted J.D. as I approached the coffee shop for our meet up – he kind of sticks out from the crowd. I mean he’s literally a whole head taller than everybody else. I also noticed that he was looking down - just like everyone else sitting at … Continue reading Writer, Motivational Speaker, and Red Cross Volunteer – Meet J.D. Slajchert
By Diane Concannon The American Red Cross continues to provide relief to people affected by the Woolsey Fire in southern California with shelter, food and comfort. As evacuation orders are lifted and people are able to return to affected areas, the Red Cross is there with them. Drew and Amanda Haver are two of the … Continue reading Red Cross Volunteers Helping Their Neighbors Affected by California Wildfires
Red Cross and CCADT shelter over 500 pets of wildfire evacuees [Photo Credit: American Red Cross] Fleeing from wildfires can be traumatic and having pets close has been proven to reduce stress and comfort owners driven from their homes by fire. This inspired Katrina Poitras, Central Valley Red Cross Disaster Program Manager, working with Naomi … Continue reading Keeping Pets and Owners Together in Wake of the Ferguson Fire
By Will Washburn & Jillian Robertson Firefighters come from far away to battle wildfires burning across the state. This means faster response to out of control blazes, but it also means long separations from friends and loved ones. The Red Cross Central Valley chapter is working to change that. Katrina Poitras, Red Cross Central Valley … Continue reading Red Cross Delivers Letters of Love to Firefighters Battling the Ferguson Blaze
With an unprecedented amount of large-scale natural disasters over that last several months, many striking right here in California, we’re even more grateful for our volunteers, donors and partners. This incredible level of response demonstrates the need for preparedness and what it means to have a kit, make a plan and be informed. And, while … Continue reading Get Prepared California! Auction
On a bright and sunny Saturday, March 31st at Oak Canyon Community Park in Ventura County, CA, I had the honor of joining local Red Cross event-base volunteers Anurag Karra (North Hollywood Highly Gifted Magnet High School), Sriram Potluri (Oak Park High School), and Aneesh Ankareddy (Oak Park High School) for a 5K Walk-a-Thon. The youth-led … Continue reading Youth Volunteers Raise Money for Disaster Relief
A series of personal items are laid out on a bed. It looks like typical scene of someone packing for an overnight trip; there is a bag, a change of clothes, and a laptop. But this is not a typical suitcase. Look closer and you’ll realize that a pair of tan slip on shoes are … Continue reading Out of the Ashes Rises the Phoenix
Updated January 28, 2018 Gayle Labrana, a teacher and former Peace Corps volunteer, felt inspired to lend a hand after recent fires and an unprecedented mudslide devastated her hometown. After her daughter was evacuated from her home during the Thomas Fire in early December, Gayle sought a way to give back to the community. She … Continue reading Santa Barbara Volunteer Becomes ‘Part of the Solution’
Updated January 29, 2018 The Red Cross is continuing to provide supplies at multiple sites through the day with updated times, 9am-3pm daily. Distribution points include 1) US Post Office, 2245 Lillie Ave., Summerland, CA 93067 and 2) Montecito Fire Station #2, 2300 Sycamore Canyon Rd., Montecito, CA 93108. Updated January 27, 2018 If … Continue reading American Red Cross continues to serve residents affected by Montecito Mudslide
As Jeff Harms speaks about his home renovations, his face lights up. “It was an ugly peach color,” he laughs. “People would ask me about it.” Jeff has spent the last few years making his charming two-bedroom house a home with his husband, Joel, and cat, Jackson. As a local landscape architect, Jeff has an … Continue reading Local Resident Explores “What Now?” After Devastating Mudslide
Red Cross Central California Blog 