Connecting Passion to Purpose: Micaela Duarte Helps Volunteers Create Lasting Impact

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By Anna Kumor, Red Cross Communications Volunteer For Micaela Duarte, volunteering is not about filling shifts — it is about helping people discover how their time and talents can create real change. As a Volunteer Recruiter, Micaela connects people to meaningful opportunities that strengthen communities and build long‑term engagement with the American Red Cross. Originally … Continue reading Connecting Passion to Purpose: Micaela Duarte Helps Volunteers Create Lasting Impact

Jeff Martin: A Heart for Service

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From disaster responses to community events, Jeff’s dedication shows how one volunteer can make a profound difference in a short amount of time. By Cindy Huge, Red Cross Volunteer After retiring, Jeff Martin knew he wasn’t ready to slow down. He wanted to do something meaningful — something that would let him give back to … Continue reading Jeff Martin: A Heart for Service

Together in Service: A Mother and Daughter Making a Lifesaving Difference

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In celebration of Red Cross Month and Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the generations of women who strengthen their communities through service. Among them is a mother–daughter duo whose shared commitment to helping others has become a family tradition of giving back.

Darrin Hughes: Fire Battalion Chief Turned Dedicated Red Cross Volunteer

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“For me, the gratitude that I get out of volunteering is being able to help the victims of disasters, whether it's small or large.” Darrin Hughes By Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Battalion Chief Darrin Hughes began his fire service journey in 1991 with the San Joaquin Delta Fire Department near Stockton, CA, before … Continue reading Darrin Hughes: Fire Battalion Chief Turned Dedicated Red Cross Volunteer

Full Circle Giving

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By Anna Kumor, Red Cross Communications Volunteer From blood donor to plasma recipient to Red Cross volunteer, Carol Freeland embodies the full circle of the Red Cross experience. Her journey is not just one of service, but of survival — and gratitude that fuels her every day at the Red Cross office in Camarillo, where … Continue reading Full Circle Giving

Investing in Community Heart Beats

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National Heart Month is a reminder of something simple but powerful: in the moments when a life hangs in the balance, it’s often a nearby neighbor or a Good Samaritan who becomes the first source of hope. Cardiac emergencies can happen anywhere — at a food distribution site, in a community center or during an … Continue reading Investing in Community Heart Beats

Held by Roots, Moved by Purpose

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How one Red Crosser carries forward the strength of generations while building bridges to new possibilities By Tyniquea Edwards, Red Cross Volunteer I’m often the quiet presence at the edge of the room — listening more than speaking, noticing what others overlook. I’m the person who remembers the small detail you mentioned weeks ago, who … Continue reading Held by Roots, Moved by Purpose

Gerald’s Way of Showing Up

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If you ask Gerald to describe himself, he won’t start with titles, ranks or achievements. He’ll simply say, “I’m just Gerald — someone who cares about people, someone willing to listen and someone who’ll help however he can.” That’s how he moves through the world: grounded, steady and guided by values instilled long before he … Continue reading Gerald’s Way of Showing Up

Finding Adventure Through the American Red Cross

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Susan Lugo has always sought out new adventures. Just four days after graduating high school in the Central Valley, she joined the United States Marine Corps to see the world. For four years, she learned resilience, teamwork and the joy of being part of something bigger than herself. That same spirit carried her to the … Continue reading Finding Adventure Through the American Red Cross

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

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First responders serve our communities 24/7. So, when the American Red Cross alerted the public about a severe blood shortage last month, it was no surprise that dedicated firefighters and police officers stepped up to assist. To support the Red Cross blood supply, local first responders created the Battle of the Badges, a friendly competition … Continue reading Battle of the Badges Blood Drive