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 Jon Darius, Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer “Gratitude” was the feeling that drove Martin Gonzales to donate blood last summer. After a life-threatening experience that led him to receiving a blood transfusion, Gonzales feels that the main inspiration for donating blood is to give back to those that may have been in the same … Continue reading Driven by Gratitude to Give
Newbury Park church partners with American Red Cross to save lives and serve others By Tom Horan, Public Affairs Volunteer While he was still relatively new to being a pastor at Living Oaks Church in Newbury Park, Lead Pastor Austin Axen clearly remembers the devastation that befell his community in November of 2018. “All of … Continue reading Local Church Comes Together to Save Lives; Inspire Others to Give Blood
The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in more than a decade. Dangerously low blood inventory levels are posing a concerning risk to patient care and forcing doctors to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who must wait until more blood products become available. … Continue reading Red Cross: National blood crisis may put patients at risk
By Lucca Lorenzi, Public Affairs Volunteer As a Marine Corps veteran, Allen Eager not only values service to his country, but also serving those who have served. Eager and his two puppy pals, Desi (Doxen-Dalmatian) and Blue (Doxen-Dapple), have been serving the Service to the Armed Forces and Alliance of Therapy Dogs for three years. … Continue reading Red Cross Volunteer and His Therapy Dogs Offer More Than Relief Services to Veterans
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’
The Central California Region recently welcomed Jose Molina to our team as our new Service to the Armed Forces Program Manager. Molina retired from the Navy after 21 years as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He earned his AA in Business Administration through Coastline Community College and is currently attending the University of Phoenix pursuing … Continue reading Salute to Service: Meet Jose Molina
By Carolyn Gargano, Red Cross Volunteer and Photos by Fran Collin, Red Cross Volunteer With unstoppable wind gusts, the Alisal Fire raced down the mountain burning homes, impacting both the 101 freeway and the Amtrak train route along the Northern Santa Barbara coastline. Quickly residents were evacuated, train passengers stranded, and our primary freeway closed. … Continue reading A Volunteer’s Sense of Belonging and Purpose at the Red Cross
Taylor pictured with her parents, Jan and Jack Poisall, at the Heroes for the American Red Cross event in 2016. By Taylor Poisall, Red Cross Communicator My dad, Jack Poisall, didn’t speak a lot about his experience in the Army, but he would reminisce on jumping out of planes and his dog Fairbanks, named after … Continue reading A Token of Kindness
Every day, men and women answer our nation’s call to serve in the armed forces, and the American Red Cross stands by these heroes and their families from the day they enlist throughout their military careers and beyond. These heroes and their families assume great responsibility and face daunting challenges unique to military life, including … Continue reading Serving Those Who Serve Our Nation
Red Cross Central California Blog 