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.
Mary Hartberg is one of many answering the call to get involved after a string of disasters has left her community reeling. Her goal in doing so is to demonstrate the gratitude she has for coming through wildfires and the mudslide unharmed and to “bring normalcy and stability in times of chaos” The January 9 … Continue reading Bringing Normalcy and Stability in Times of Chaos
“My heart aches to see my community suffering after such a devastating tragedy.” When the call went out for American Red Cross volunteers to help, Cullen Dorais quickly stepped up, just like he has done in the past 11 years. But this time the call was very different, since the call for help was for … Continue reading Personal Loss Leads to Service for Others
Since evacuation orders first began to lift for the Thomas Fire, the Red Cross has been there, helping families on the road to recovery. The local Red Cross is now expanding its recovery service centers for those affected by the fire: Ventura County Credit Union, 6026 Telephone Rd., Ventura, CA 93003 Saturday and Sunday, December … Continue reading Additional Thomas Fire Services Available
Over the span of the Thomas Fire, residents at Red Cross shelters receive unexpected visits from some special animals. Service animals are always welcome in Red Cross shelters. On December 17, 2017, Miss Basil made a guest appearance at the Ventura County Fairgrounds Red Cross shelter. There are many special things about this bunny: she … Continue reading Residents Receive Special Visits at Red Cross Shelters
“If there was ever a Red Cross Angel, it would have to be Bettye.” This term, “Red Cross Angel”, is given by fellow Red Crossers to a comrade who consistently displays compassion, empathy and resourcefulness for the benefit of others- behaviors the American Red Cross holds dear and looks for in every potential volunteer. It’s … Continue reading Kindness Comes Full Circle, and a Red Cross Angel Earns Her Wings
Note: Click here to see an updated list of Red Cross service center dates and times (12/29/17). The American Red Cross is continuing to support residents affected by the Thomas Fire, even as the holidays approach. Several Assistance Centers are currently open to help local families as they recover from the largest fire in California … Continue reading Thomas Fire Recovery Services
I remember it was right before Christmas when I received a call for a house fire. It was cold, late at night, and it had just finished sprinkling, so it was very wet out. I hesitated to go, however I knew that I had signed on so I decided to get up and answer the … Continue reading Cold, Wet Winter Night
10/06/2017 Two American Red Cross volunteers Jerry Chavez and Ray Quintana headed across the country to help their fellow compatriots dealing with the overwhelming effects of Hurricane Harvey. Driving a Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) from Fresno, California to Black Springs, Florida took about a week to arrive. Right now, more than 250 of … Continue reading Across Country Helpers: Two volunteers on a mission
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine yourself at home. You’ve been told a hurricane is coming your way and to prepare for the unimaginable. The rain has started falling. It gets heavier and the wind is picking up. You drive to the store and stock up on water, batteries, and food. The TV … Continue reading 24 Hours of Terror
It moved fast, furiously and forced hundreds of people from their homes. The Detwiler Fire was like no other for the residents of Mariposa and surrounding areas. It swept through dry brush, charred trees and demolished dozens of homes, leaving numerous residents without a place to live and stole all normalcy from their lives. In … Continue reading Detwiler Fire: A tale of two mental health volunteers
Red Cross Central California Blog 