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 Dan Santos, American Red Cross Volunteer Bill Dutton started his career with the American Red Cross in 1970. In his 52 years with the Red Cross, Bill Dutton has seen many changes, except for one thing: “The mission to help others in need is still there. That’s what has kept me inspired.” During his … Continue reading Bill Dutton: 52 years and counting, still inspired by the Red Cross mission
By Dan Santos, American Red Cross Volunteer Now and then, Red Cross volunteers take an indirect path to helping others in need. Bill Beebe was thirsty. He was in Florida in 2020 for his grandmother's funeral. "I went to the store and there was a display next to the 12-packs of Mountain Dew for Team … Continue reading Why I Volunteer: ‘It woke something up in me’
By Dan Santos, Red Cross Volunteer Garrett Mizuo has been to many disaster scenes in the past as a volunteer with the American Red Cross. He's helped victims of hurricanes, wildfires and mass shootings, but he wasn't quite ready for what he saw after a monstrous tornado tore through western Kentucky last December. A tornado … Continue reading Why I Volunteer: Unforgettable Experiences
By Lucca Lorenzi Following her retirement from accounting, Mary Frazier was looking for a way to help others in her community. In 2015, she joined the Red Cross and has been serving the Central California Region ever since. “I’m a people’s person. I like meeting new people and helping wherever I’m needed,” she stated. “That’s … Continue reading Women’s History Month: Meet Mary Frazier
Happy Valentine’s Day! We're celebrating love at the American Red Cross by sharing stories of amazing couples throughout our region who spend some of their quality time together volunteering for Red Cross. Meet some of our volunteer couples and learn about their love for the Red Cross! Meet Isabel Bravo and Jose Perez! For one … Continue reading Sharing the love this Valentine’s Day
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
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’
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
Red Cross Central California Blog 