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.
For one couple, volunteering and giving back is a pillar of who they are and a foundation of their upbringing. Isabel Bravo and Jose Perez both grew up with a shared value of serving others. Bravo is the Director of Environmental, Health and Safety at Wonderful Citrus-California Farming Operations and serves as the Vice Chair … Continue reading Hispanic Heritage Month: Red Crossers Reflect on Their Callings to Serve
By Dan Santos, Red Cross Public Affairs “Emergency workers from the American Red Cross came to assist the victims.” That’s how news reports often sum up what happens at a disaster once emergency crews have finished their work. It was no different with the Dry Creek Apartments fire in Paso Robles on Sept. 21. An early morning blaze … Continue reading Red Cross volunteers mobilized to help Paso Robles apartment fire survivors
By Lucca Lorenzi, Public Affairs Volunteer Ever since he was a teenager, Clifford MacBurney understood the importance of preparedness. In fact, so much so, he made a career of it. It began during his years at Southwest Ohio High School where MacBurney first began his involvement with the Red Cross. “You might say the Red … Continue reading Fire Prevention Week: Meet Clifford MacBurney
The Red Cross responds to 60,000 disasters a year — and the vast majority of these are home fires. For disasters big and small, our volunteers provide comfort during what can be the worst days of people’s lives. In September 2021, our mission to alleviate human suffering in the face of disasters was once again … Continue reading Red Cross Aids Hundreds Across Central California in September 2021
by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer “I’m mostly a mountain biker, so I rode my first Ride for the Red on a mountain bike. It was a tough 30 miles,” quipped Andrew Bonica, “but I’m a Marine and I don’t quit.” A lot has changed in Bonica’s life since that first ride in 2016. He … Continue reading Why I Ride – Focus and Commitment
By Dan Santos, Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer In 1979, Madeleine Dircks was just out of high school in Southern California and the song “In the Navy” by the Village People seemed to be on the radio all the time. “The boys on the Village People had the cutest outfits,” Dircks recalled. “It sounds kind of silly, but … Continue reading Service to the Armed Forces: Volunteer Madeleine Dircks
By Lucca Lorenzi, Public Affairs Volunteer Mary Bastos has served the Central California Red Cross Region for over four years, but her propensity to help others began long before she became a Red Cross volunteer. At a young age, Bastos’ parents instilled in her the importance of dedicating their time to helping others; her father … Continue reading Hispanic Heritage Month: Meet Mary Bastos
Submitted by Sara Bloom, Sheltering Volunteer during the Creek Fire in Central California. “Cards are my thing, I enjoy making and sending them out to friends and family, and with the pandemic, I finally ended up with more time to make them. The 'hug' card I made last year was a design I had made … Continue reading A Little Goes a Long Way
By Lori Wilson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter It is hard to believe that we are already looking at the 1-year anniversary of the Creek Fire. At the time it was the single largest wildfire in California history, a record for only a short time— now broken by the Dixie … Continue reading Red Cross commemorates the 1-year anniversary of the Creek Fire
By Cindy Huge, Red Cross Public Affairs Every eight minutes the American Red Cross responds to emergencies both locally and nationally. On August 18, 2021, the American Red Cross of Kern County and Eastern Sierra Chapter was activated to help shelter residents evacuated from the French Fire. Volunteers and staff set up a shelter at … Continue reading Turning Heartbreak into Hope
Red Cross Central California Blog 