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
by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer The Miwok have inhabited the Sierra Nevada mountains in and around Yosemite National Park for thousands of years. George Leroy Williams, Sr. lives with his family in the Bootjack neighborhood just south of the Park. I found Williams, a self-described spiritual leader of the Wilton Rancheria Tribe of Miwoks, … Continue reading Finding Shelter, Each In Their Own Way
by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer At 5:22 am on a Friday morning in mid-April, the Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) was notified that the Oxnard Fire Department was battling a structure fire in a large house on the edge of town. Within minutes, volunteer Thomas Gorden, the Dispatcher/Duty Officer, had two members of … Continue reading Providing Safety, Comfort and Hope
Happy Valentine’s Day! We're celebrating love at the American Red Cross by sharing stories of amazing couples throughout our region who spend some of their quality time together volunteering for Red Cross. Meet some of our volunteer couples and learn about their love for the Red Cross! Meet Isabel Bravo and Jose Perez! For one … Continue reading Sharing the love this Valentine’s Day
By Abby Oldemeyer, Public Affairs Volunteer Like many people that find their way to the American Red Cross, Shirley Bahr started searching for a way to give back to her community after she retired. Having already seen the positive impact the Red Cross had within her own community, she applied and began volunteering in 2017. … Continue reading Why I Serve: Meet Shirley Bahr
Cynthia Fisher, middle, with Ashley Bonnoit, left, and Jennifer Samaritan at the French fire in August 2021. By Dan Santos Most people try to avoid the scene of a disaster. Cynthia Fisher — like many American Red Cross volunteers — sees an opportunity to provide safe shelter, food, and comfort to the victims. “I’m living my best life when I can help somebody get their life … Continue reading Why I Volunteer: Helping Others, ‘It’s a Beautiful Thing’
Pictured on the left is Debby Dailey with fellow Red Cross volunteer Marion Chappell By Lucca Lorenzi, Public Affairs Volunteer Debby Dailey’s helping hand has sewn an incredible quilted patchwork of volunteer service, and she has left an inspiring impact on the hearts of veterans and those impacted by disasters in her community. Dailey, a … Continue reading A Patchwork of Service
Patti Shiflet standing on the far right with fellow Red Cross volunteers. By Abby Oldemeyer, Public Affairs Volunteer When Patti Shiflet started talking to an American Red Cross Volunteer at her community center during a personal preparedness meeting, her first thought was to ask how she could get involved. When I asked what motivated her … Continue reading Why I Volunteer: Meet Patti Shiflet
by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer I had heard that one pint of blood from just one person could save up to three lives. I read that the national emergency blood supply was at its lowest level in more than a decade. I was told that donating my blood would be safe and easy. But … Continue reading Easy as 1 + 1 = 3
By Lucca Lorenzi, Public Affairs Volunteer Ever since he was a teenager, Clifford MacBurney understood the importance of preparedness. In fact, so much so, he made a career of it. It began during his years at Southwest Ohio High School where MacBurney first began his involvement with the Red Cross. “You might say the Red … Continue reading Fire Prevention Week: Meet Clifford MacBurney
Red Cross Central California Blog 