Disaster

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’

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

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