The Impact of Giving Time

By Osvaldo Rodriguez I was invited to spend a few hours volunteering on a Saturday morning by my friend Eddie, who is also the Executive Director of the American Red Cross in Kern County, to volunteer for Sound the Alarm. He informed me that the company that I work for, The Wonderful Company, had partnered … Continue reading The Impact of Giving Time

How volunteers are helping to End Home Fires

Home fires claim seven lives every day, but having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half. Donors, volunteers and partners made our Sound the Alarm. Save a Life campaign a lifesaving success this year. This past spring, Red Cross of Central California volunteers and local partners installed more than 1,100 free smoke alarms across … Continue reading How volunteers are helping to End Home Fires

Ride for the Red Recognizes Military Heroes

Ride for the Red was created in 2014 by enthusiastic local volunteers eager to share the story and history of the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program. As they gear up for the sixth annual Ride for the Red presented by Kinecta on Saturday, November 12, the volunteer committee has been recognizing local … Continue reading Ride for the Red Recognizes Military Heroes

Profoundly Heartbreaking Experience Leads to Heartfelt Volunteerism

By Cindy Huge, Red Cross Volunteer Life seemed to come to a halt when Cody Blackford heard the news that two of his family members had perished in a house fire. “I remember getting a call from my parents, while I was at work, informing me that my eighteen- and three-year-old nieces had passed away … Continue reading Profoundly Heartbreaking Experience Leads to Heartfelt Volunteerism

Blood Donations Are Crucial For Patients With Sickle Cell Disease – And You Can Help

1 in 3 African American blood donors are a match for people with sickle cell disease Sickle Cell Awareness Month may be coming to a close, but the work of the American Red Cross initiative to grow the number of blood donors who are Black to help patients with sickle cell disease continues. The Red Cross is teaming up … Continue reading Blood Donations Are Crucial For Patients With Sickle Cell Disease – And You Can Help

How Preparedness Made a Difference During a Wildfire Evacuation

By Taylor Poisall and Dave Wagner, Red Cross Communications Bernard and Lynda Brown moved to the Mariposa mountains from the Bay Area just over a year ago. After being forced from their home by the Oak Fire, they found themselves at a Red Cross evacuation shelter. "I looked out the garage door and everything was … Continue reading How Preparedness Made a Difference During a Wildfire Evacuation

The Three Amigos from the American Red Cross

This month, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the many Red Cross volunteers who give their time and talent to our mission. Volunteers like Manny Lerma who are driven with passion to serve their community and beyond. After his most recent deployment, Manny shared about his experience volunteering, his culture and how it has impacted … Continue reading The Three Amigos from the American Red Cross

Pedaling for a Cause

When 200 plus bicyclists venture out on the Ride for the Red this year, Matthew Weinburke will be at the head of the pack. “It was a challenging ride due to the hills and heat,” he said of last year’s ride, but he is not deterred. “This was a really good experience. I thoroughly enjoyed … Continue reading Pedaling for a Cause

“The Red Cross is #1 in My Book”

By Taylor Poisall, Red Cross Communications Karrín Pachecho is no stranger to evacuating. On Wednesday, September 7, the North Fork resident was outside working in the yard when she heard planes flying overhead. "That's when I saw the flames. They were a rock-throwing distance away." "I thought I would do things differently this time. But … Continue reading “The Red Cross is #1 in My Book”

A Family That Prepares Together

It’s important to know that you may have just two minutes to escape a home fire — which is the nation’s most frequent disaster. That’s why the American Red Cross is preparing families to act quickly through our Home Fire Campaign. “We are the leads for the Home Fire Campaign here in Ventura County,” said … Continue reading A Family That Prepares Together