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 When thousands were forced from their homes near Yosemite National Park due to the fast-moving Oak Fire, almost 100 humans landed at the Red Cross shelter in nearby Mariposa. Along with them came another 100 family members - pet cats and dogs, and an assortment of birds and reptiles. … Continue reading It’s Our Pets That Make Us Human
It’s National Volunteer Week, a time for the American Red Cross to recognize the individuals who make our humanitarian work possible each day. We are so proud to celebrate our volunteers' commitment to serving others. The hard work that our volunteers give day in and day out to our mission is nothing short of amazing. … Continue reading American Red Cross Celebrates Our Local Heroes, Our Volunteers
Dom Dopico transitions from hi-risk to hi-tech to hi-touch helping lead Red Cross Board by Tom Horan, Red Cross Volunteer Few people have experienced the diversity of careers as Serafin “Dom” Dopico, Board Member of the Central California Region. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Dom enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed to … Continue reading Board Member, Dom Dopico, Wears Multiple Hats… and Helmets
By Dan Santos, Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer Ray Tschaeche is not concerned about finishing first in the American Red Cross’ Ride for the Red event on Saturday, November 13. “It’s not a race,” said Tschaeche (sounds like Check-E). “Anyone who signs up for the ride should know that. You don’t win a prize for coming in first. You get a thank you … Continue reading Why I Ride – To Support a Good Cause
by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer “I’m mostly a mountain biker, so I rode my first Ride for the Red on a mountain bike. It was a tough 30 miles,” quipped Andrew Bonica, “but I’m a Marine and I don’t quit.” A lot has changed in Bonica’s life since that first ride in 2016. He … Continue reading Why I Ride – Focus and Commitment
By Cindy Huge, Red Cross Public Affairs Every eight minutes the American Red Cross responds to emergencies both locally and nationally. On August 18, 2021, the American Red Cross of Kern County and Eastern Sierra Chapter was activated to help shelter residents evacuated from the French Fire. Volunteers and staff set up a shelter at … Continue reading Turning Heartbreak into Hope
Story by Cindy Huge, Public Affairs Volunteer Rarely do I cry when interviewing an evacuated resident, but today I found myself shedding a few tears. Life recently for Nina Baetz has been very difficult. Her daughter, who was terminally ill, passed away just a few days prior to the mandatory evacuation orders for the fast-moving … Continue reading Life’s Most Difficult Season
by Cindy Huge, Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer Margie Manning knows firsthand the devastation a wildfire can bring. In 2016, the Erskine Fire swept through the neighborhood where Manning and her husband lived. They quickly evacuated with their pets and sought shelter with the American Red Cross. “There were several hundred people in the shelter and even … Continue reading Caring for People and Communities
The American Red Cross of the Pacific Coast has received a grant for $10,000 from the Bayer Fund, which will be used to support blood drives throughout Ventura County. “Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood,” Tony Briggs, Central California Region chief executive officer and Pacific Coast Chapter executive director. “To have … Continue reading Red Cross Receives $10K Grant from Bayer Fund
When the unthinkable becomes reality, people need immediate support. During these most urgent moments, the American Red Cross shows up—often with little notice—to deliver help and hope, and we do this on a tremendous scale. Every eight minutes, the Red Cross mobilizes to help people in their darkest hours. “It is so great to see … Continue reading Driving Our Mission Forward
Red Cross Central California Blog 