Her Heart for Animals Helps Pets and Their Owners

by Winnie Romeril, Red Cross Public Affairs “The best part is helping the pet owners. Being able to care for their animals relieves their stress so much,” explains Betty Wong, who has volunteered with the Central California Animal Disaster Team (CCADT) since its inception in 2013. “The animals feel their owners’ stress, and we can … Continue reading Her Heart for Animals Helps Pets and Their Owners

Evacuated Red Cross Volunteer Reaches Out to Help Others

by Cindy Huge, American Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer “The time I spent training with the American Red Cross made me aware that wildfires and other disasters could be real events, and that one day I would be asked to respond to them,” reflects Red Cross housing supervisor Kathy Boswell on joining the organization three … Continue reading Evacuated Red Cross Volunteer Reaches Out to Help Others

Recipe for Compassion

A favorite recipe from one of the "crazy" cookbook lady’s 800 books. She received help from the Red Cross when evacuated from the Sequoia Complex Fire. A self proclaimed “crazy cookbook lady” who preferred not to be named, returned to the Red Cross Temporary Evacuation Point (TEP) at the Porterville College parking lot in the … Continue reading Recipe for Compassion

Help for a Family Fleeing the Creek Fire

Red Cross volunteer and retired firefighter, Jose Martinez, explains to Patricia Swick and Michelle Dungan the fire information map posted at Clovis North High School a Temporary Evacuation Point for those affected by the Creek Fire. Patricia Swick was enjoying a weekend camp-out with her family, including her three young children, when she received a … Continue reading Help for a Family Fleeing the Creek Fire

“Alexa, How Can the Red Cross Help?”

by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer Accessing life-saving information and tools from the Red Cross is easier than ever. Our award-winning suite of free smartphone apps already put Red Cross content at your fingertips. Now, all you have to do is ask Alexa! Skills for Alexa now include critical first aid instruction, putting free and … Continue reading “Alexa, How Can the Red Cross Help?”

Sew Many Ways to Help!

by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer When Vikki Hunt saw the request for Red Cross volunteers to support a local feeding program back in April, she initially jumped at the chance to pitch in. That’s just the way she is – always ready to lend a hand. But as news of the pandemic continued to … Continue reading Sew Many Ways to Help!

What Are They Saying About Red Cross Mobile Apps?

by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer From how to be safe and prepared in an emergency to how to take care of your pet, the American Red Cross has a suite of apps for mobile devices that includes something for everyone. Emergency App The all-inclusive Emergency App combines more than 35 emergency alerts to help … Continue reading What Are They Saying About Red Cross Mobile Apps?

Answering the Call — One Nurse’s Journey to Care for Others

By Cindy Huge, Public Affairs Volunteer For nurses, it is simply in their nature to help others during their greatest need. For Louise Kolar, RN, of the Kern County & Eastern Sierra Chapter, she has touched thousands of lives through her work as a nurse and Red Cross volunteer. After a family experienced a home … Continue reading Answering the Call — One Nurse’s Journey to Care for Others

Coronavirus: Safety and Tips for You

The American Red Cross is closely monitoring the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), as well as following the latest guidance from the Centers of Disease Control (CDC). We know this is a stressful time and people want to know what they can do right now to protect themselves and their families. That is why … Continue reading Coronavirus: Safety and Tips for You