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.
“There’s always a lot of great people out here and it’s for a great cause,” said Marine veteran Jose Rojas, standing beneath a pop-up shelter near the starting line of this year’s Ride for the Red. “We’ve done this ride a couple of times before,” said his ride partner and fellow Marine veteran Raul … Continue reading 2025 Ride for the Red Benefits Local Military and Veterans
By Jake Dean, Red Cross Communications Volunteer For Wesley Hammer, volunteering with the American Red Cross is more than just giving back—it’s a calling. From his first experience as a Disaster Action Team (DAT) responder to taking on leadership roles in disaster relief efforts, Wesley has dedicated his time and energy to supporting communities in … Continue reading Making an Impact: Wesley Hammer’s Red Cross Volunteer Story
Written by Anna Kumor, Communications Volunteer What do you do when you watch the news and see natural disasters devastate whole communities? People like Michelle Brown jump in to serve. Twenty years ago, Michelle saw Richard Temple, the American Red Cross Executive Director of Kern County at the time, on the news asking for volunteers to … Continue reading Women Who Serve with Courage and Compassion
By Alison Votaw, Red Cross Volunteer Like so many dedicated American Red Cross volunteers, Noor Qwfan's unwavering commitment to her community blossomed long before she officially joined the Red Cross. She took the initiative to start a support group for young women in her mosque, empowering them to navigate the challenges of applying for college … Continue reading Breaking Barriers and Building Trust: Noor Qwfan’s Red Cross Story
“I don’t need an award. I don’t need a pat on the back. I don’t need a trophy. I don’t need any of that. Having that feeling that we’re helping people is enough.”Jené D’Ambrosio By: Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Born and raised in Fresno, Jené D’Ambrosio is determined to give back to the … Continue reading Jené D’Ambrosio: A Clothing Collector Committed to Compassion
“The Red Cross gives hope in a time of chaos.”- Miller Newlon By: Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer As wildfires tore through Los Angeles County, leaving devastation in their wake, American Red Cross volunteers, Miller and Christin Newlon, didn’t hesitate to step up. With nearly 30 years of experience as a certified EMT, Miller … Continue reading Helping in Crisis: A Couple’s Impact on LA Fire Relief Efforts
Julianne Abbott is a Lifelong Volunteer Determined to Help Others By Alison Votaw, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Julianne Abbott has dedicated her life to helping those in need and shows no signs of slowing down. She has been to Africa and Asia several times over the course of her life to help refugees in war-torn … Continue reading Retired Volunteers Like Julianne Abbott Show No Signs of Slowing Down
Just two months ago, Steve Medina and scores of local volunteers were supporting the Ventura County community during the Mountain Fire. At that time, American Red Cross Los Angeles Region volunteers traveled north to assist and lend a hand when it was needed most. Never missing an opportunity to return a favor, Medina immediately volunteered … Continue reading Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Lifelong Camarillo resident Kim Price-Marczuk has deep roots in her community. It was these local bonds that led her to become a volunteer with the Red Cross. “My former high school advisor was [volunteering] and posting pictures (on Facebook), so I messaged him and asked ‘How do I get involved in the Red Cross?’” Two … Continue reading Ready to Serve – Near and Far
By Alison Votaw, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Bre Vallado joined her local American Red Cross chapter in 2023 with ambitions to work with the International Committee for the Red Cross. While she is still working towards that goal, her passion for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) has led her to participate in lesser-known Red Cross programs. … Continue reading Your Global Impact Can Start Locally: One Volunteer’s Journey with the American Red Cross
Red Cross Central California Blog 