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.
How one Red Crosser carries forward the strength of generations while building bridges to new possibilities By Tyniquea Edwards, Red Cross Volunteer I’m often the quiet presence at the edge of the room — listening more than speaking, noticing what others overlook. I’m the person who remembers the small detail you mentioned weeks ago, who … Continue reading Held by Roots, Moved by Purpose
If you ask Gerald to describe himself, he won’t start with titles, ranks or achievements. He’ll simply say, “I’m just Gerald — someone who cares about people, someone willing to listen and someone who’ll help however he can.” That’s how he moves through the world: grounded, steady and guided by values instilled long before he … Continue reading Gerald’s Way of Showing Up
Susan Lugo has always sought out new adventures. Just four days after graduating high school in the Central Valley, she joined the United States Marine Corps to see the world. For four years, she learned resilience, teamwork and the joy of being part of something bigger than herself. That same spirit carried her to the … Continue reading Finding Adventure Through the American Red Cross
By Anna Kumor, Red Cross Communications Volunteer You can always count on Linda Carralejo to stay calm in an emergency. For 35 years, Linda was the reassuring voice answering 9-1-1 calls as a dispatcher for the Ventura Police Department. After retiring, she took some well-deserved rest and relaxation before finding her next calling: volunteering. “I … Continue reading Linda Carralejo’s Second Act as Red Cross Volunteer: 40 Years of Public Service, and Counting!
By Mason Hodges, Red Cross Communications Volunteer As the holiday season approaches, many of us reflect on what matters most — family, community and the spirit of giving. In Ventura County, Lori Kleiman embodies all of these values. Known for her compassion, creativity and calm in the face of crisis, Lori wears many hats: full-time … Continue reading The Greatest Gift: Lori Kleiman Finds Joy in Serving Others
By Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer No matter how long someone has been a Red Cross volunteer, chances are they’ve heard of Robert “Bob” Strojek. With nearly a decade of service to the American Red Cross, Bob’s journey began when then-Disaster Program Manager Kurt Russell attended a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) class Bob was … Continue reading Serving with Purpose: Bob Strojek’s Red Cross Legacy
By Alvaro Martinez and Mason Hodges, Communications Volunteers Click here to read this story in Spanish When disaster strikes, Jesús Sotelo doesn’t hesitate — he acts. Born in Acapulco, Guerrero, México, Jesús grew up in a community where music, faith and service were deeply woven into everyday life. In the 1980s, he and a group … Continue reading From Guerrero to California: Jesús Sotelo’s Quiet Revolution of Service
Por Alvaro Martinez y Mason Hodges, Voluntarios de Comunicaciones Cuando ocurre un desastre, Jesús Sotelo no lo duda: actúa. Nacido en Acapulco, Guerrero, México, Jesús creció en una comunidad donde la música, la fe y el servicio estaban profundamente entrelazados en la vida cotidiana. En los años 80, él y un grupo de amigos formaron … Continue reading De Guerrero a California: La Revolución Silenciosa del Servicio de Jesús Sotelo
Lives Saved in the Parking Lot: Red Cross Donates Shuttle Carts to Care for Local Veterans "I truly love the American Red Cross and all of the work they do for our community, but especially the way they serve veterans through the Service to the Armed Forces."Mary Golden, VA Central California Health Care System In … Continue reading A Lifesaving Lift: American Red Cross and VA Central California Roll Out Support for Veterans
By Cynthia Rodriguez, Communications Volunteer Bold. That is how one could describe the ambitious, driven and altruistic Annika Garcia. Annika comes from humble beginnings as a first-generation Latina, and often visited her mom at work. Her mom’s work in the medical field introduced Annika to the American Red Cross. On one of her visits to … Continue reading Celebrating Young Leaders: Annika’s Journey with the Red Cross
Red Cross Central California Blog 