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 Cindy Huge, Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer “She is the best volunteer and kindest person here,” said Edward Power, a Kern River Valley resident. Power and the other shelter residents have enjoyed meeting one of American Red Cross' newest volunteers, Serena, who has been working in the Tehachapi Shelter as a result of the … Continue reading Serena’s Volunteerism Spans Across Multiple Continents
Terri Birch grew up in Oklahoma on the ancestral lands of the Wichita people, a confederation of Southern Plains Native American tribes. Later, she raised a family, living and working in busy Orange County, CA. She was happy to retire to the mountains, giving up the rat race and buying a six-acre ranch in Bodfish, … Continue reading Everyone is Welcome . . . Pets Included!
California Couple Flees Another Wildfire By Cindy Huge, Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer Debra Thomas' husband woke her from an afternoon nap to alert her about the imminent danger posed by the Borel Fire, prompting them to evacuate. This nightmarish scenario feels familiar to Debra, who has had to evacuate four times in the past … Continue reading Here We Go Again
Jim Steel is no stranger to the Southern Sierra Nevada mountains, having lived in the high-altitude pine forest for the last 20 years. In that time, he has also become familiar with the devastating wildfires that are an all-too-common occurrence. So it wasn't the first time he and his wife found their home in the … Continue reading Twice Burned But Never Shy
Grandmothers’ Wedding Ring Found following a Devastating Home Fire By Cindy Huge, Public Affairs Volunteer During the chaos of an early morning fire that engulfed their beloved home, a family of six found themselves homeless and distraught. Thanks to the persistent barking of their dog, they were alerted to the danger and managed to escape … Continue reading Finding Joy Amongst the Ashes
By Taylor Poisall, Red Cross Public Affairs After a lifetime of living through multiple wildfires in the foothills of Fresno County, Joyce Horne knows when it’s time for her to evacuate. A late June thunderstorm sent more than 1,000 lightning strikes across the Central Valley, causing multiple vegetation fires across Fresno County. The Flash and … Continue reading Sew Much to Be Grateful For
By Alison Votaw, Communications Volunteer Sydney Highter's introduction to the American Red Cross is one that many young people have in common, she donated blood and felt a little faint after. Despite this, she overcame her fears and remained committed to giving back to her community throughout high school and college. “I wanted to help … Continue reading Educating for Impact: Sydney’s Dedication to CPR Education with the American Red Cross
By Anna Kumor, Red Cross Volunteer Jo Barsenas makes a life of serving the armed forces alongside her enlisted family members. “My dad was a veteran. He was a three-time purple heart award. My son is an army veteran. My husband's a Navy veteran. And I have 9 nieces and nephews currently serving. I've come from a military home! My … Continue reading The SAF Lifestyle of Jo Barsenas
By Alison Votaw, Red Cross Communications Volunteer The first thing you may notice about George Manolakas is his infectious laugh and positive attitude. George joined the American Red Cross in 2022, after retiring at the age of 70 from being an attorney. George said he had sat on several non-profit boards and he knew he … Continue reading George Manolakas Proves Time and Compassion Make an Impact
The American Red Cross has harnessed the compassion and determination of women to deliver its lifesaving mission since Clara Barton founded the organization in 1881. In honor of Women's Month History Month, the Red Cross is amplifying the voices and contributions of women who further our mission in communities across the globe every day. Born and … Continue reading Women Have Inspired Candy Campbell-Ursu to Aim Higher
Red Cross Central California Blog 