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 Anna Kumor, Communications Volunteer Sharon Shou, has served as an American Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Volunteer and has deployed to disasters six times, including two this year. Sharon played a role in the Cultural Awareness pre-deployment training of disaster responders heading to Guam after Typhoon Mawar struck this summer and also deployed to … Continue reading Talking Story with Sharon Shou
This month, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the many Red Cross volunteers who give their time and talent to our mission. Volunteers like Janessa Paez, who are driven with passion to serve others. Janessa is on a mission to promote preparedness education and is committed to building a safer and more resilient community for … Continue reading Meet Janessa, a Champion of Preparedness and Community
By Jordan Sherwood, Communications Volunteer Steve Medina first got involved with the American Red Cross mission as a platelet donor. Since 2018, he regularly makes a commitment to donate platelets more than a dozen times a year. “I have many reasons to donate platelets," shared Steve. "Losing friends and family to this deadly disease of … Continue reading Red Cross Volunteer’s Impact Exemplifies Preparedness and Dedication
This month, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the many Red Crossers who give their time and talent to our mission. Employees like Diana Manzo-Prado are driven with passion to serve their community. Diana recently sat down with us to share about her culture, what it means to her and how it has impacted her work with the Red Cross.
Many Red Crossers find gratification in deploying to disasters across the country and beyond. “But it’s just as valid to stay behind,” said Erick McCurdy, a longtime volunteer from Santa Barbara. “When everyone deploys, someone needs to stay behind and keep the lights on.” As a local disaster manager in his hometown, McCurdy is well-qualified … Continue reading Helping at Home . . . and Around the World
When Christina Adame contacted the Oxnard Fire Department seeking assistance with smoke alarms for her home, they referred her to the local Red Cross chapter. Understanding the urgency of her request, the response was swift. Volunteers Amanda and Drew Haver, dedicated Mass Care Team members, and Steve Medina from the Disaster Action Team promptly visited … Continue reading Home Fire Campaign Enhances Life Safety
When Christin Newlon (pictured left), an American Red Cross volunteer, saw the news about Hurricane Ian striking Florida in September 2022, she knew she wanted to help. She raised her hand to deploy from Paso Robles, California to Arcadia, Florida and she specifically made plans to go around Thanksgiving. Christin serves many roles at the … Continue reading Christin Newlon Helped Aid Heartbroken Residents in Hurricane Ian’s Wake
Are you feeling nervous about deploying to a disaster with the American Red Cross? Here's one volunteer's experience to help ease your worries. This past March, Lisa Harrold raised her hand to deploy for two weeks to support evacuees after severe flooding near the river had forced many to evacuate in Tulare County. This assignment … Continue reading Deployment Jitters? Lisa Harrold Shares Her First-Time Deployment Story
Registered Nurse Joins American Red Cross as a Volunteer, Encourages Others to Follow Suit By Christine Owens, Communications Volunteer Ernestine Lewis, a registered nurse for 33 years, retired in March 2023 but wanted to extend her commitment to serving the community by joining the renowned humanitarian organization. She hopes to make a meaningful difference in … Continue reading Nurse Ernestine Lewis Finds Home with the Red Cross
By Mason Anthony, Communications Intern From educating our local middle school youth on how to stay more physically active to giving her valuable time to the Red Cross as a volunteer, Varlene Kimura has a passion for serving her community. Over the last two years, Kimura has volunteered at multiple Sound the Alarm events where … Continue reading From P.E. Teacher to Red Cross Volunteer, Varlene Kimura Makes a Difference
Red Cross Central California Blog 