Linda Carralejo’s Second Act as Red Cross Volunteer: 40 Years of Public Service, and Counting!

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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!

2025 Ride for the Red Benefits Local Military and Veterans

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“There’s always a lot of great people out here and it’s for a great cause,” said Marine veteran Jose Rojas, standing beneath a pop-up shelter near the starting line of this year’s Ride for the Red.    “We’ve done this ride a couple of times before,” said his ride partner and fellow Marine veteran Raul … Continue reading 2025 Ride for the Red Benefits Local Military and Veterans

Jené D’Ambrosio: A Clothing Collector Committed to Compassion

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“I don’t need an award. I don’t need a pat on the back. I don’t need a trophy. I don’t need any of that. Having that feeling that we’re helping people is enough.”Jené D’Ambrosio By: Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Born and raised in Fresno, Jené D’Ambrosio is determined to give back to the … Continue reading Jené D’Ambrosio: A Clothing Collector Committed to Compassion

This Neighborhood Will Rise from the Ashes

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Standing amidst a surreal landscape of ash and destruction is the Mason home. All that remains of their neighbor’s homes on either side and across the street are naked chimneys and the burned-out hulks of automobiles. “We are very grateful and somewhat surprised that our home was spared,” said Wil Mason of the house she … Continue reading This Neighborhood Will Rise from the Ashes

Families Find Refuge from Disastrous Fire Storm

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Miyoshi Higa snapped this photo of the approaching Mountain Fire as she evacuated her home Volunteer Christine Rosso comforts Miyoshi Higa at the Red Cross shelter in Camarillo, Ca. Higa evacuated her home with just minutes to spare as the fast-moving Mountain Fire threatened her neighborhood. “I smelled smoke and thought my neighbor was cooking,” … Continue reading Families Find Refuge from Disastrous Fire Storm

Together We Can Do So Much

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It was a warm, sunny April afternoon in Ojai, California when a group of Red Crossers were finally able to meet face-to-face with Ignacio. Everyone was all smiles as he wheeled himself onto the front porch to meet the people that had spent countless hours in the previous months helping him to regain his mobility, … Continue reading Together We Can Do So Much

Siana-Lea Gildard on Embracing her Heritage and Advocating for Others

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Siana's dedication to inclusivity, preparedness and community service represents the Red Cross's mission to alleviate suffering and create a more compassionate world. Her story serves as an inspiration to all, emphasizing the importance of embracing heritage and fostering diversity in our shared humanitarian efforts.

Helping at Home . . . and Around the World

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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

Christin Newlon Helped Aid Heartbroken Residents in Hurricane Ian’s Wake

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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

The Power of Community – Neighbor Helping Neighbor

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by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer On Thursday, March 9, 2023, NOAA issued a warning that an atmospheric river – the technical term for a torrential rainstorm - would hit Central California. In the following weeks, storm after storm drenched the entire state, causing devastating flooding and forcing entire communities to evacuate to higher ground. … Continue reading The Power of Community – Neighbor Helping Neighbor