Why I Volunteer: Meet Debra Rohatsch

Story and photos by Cindy Huge/Red Cross Public Affairs Debra Rohatsch loves to swim daily in her community pool, and that is where she met a new friend and neighbor who volunteers with the American Red Cross.  As the two women swam and talked, Debra became more interested in working with an organization that helps … Continue reading Why I Volunteer: Meet Debra Rohatsch

Help Turn Heartbreak into Hope

Become a Red Cross Volunteer This Summer Retired firefighter and Red Cross volunteer, John Martinez shows evacuated residents information about the Creek Fire We in Central California know all too well how devastating wildfires can be to our communities. Last year, wildfires burned 4.3 million acres across California and led to the largest disaster relief … Continue reading Help Turn Heartbreak into Hope

Why I Serve: AmeriCorps Team Member Ashley Joos

COVID-19 meant that Ashley Joos didn't meet most of her American Red Cross colleagues in person last year, but she didn't let that stop her from making a difference. She connected with hundreds through our Preparedness Programs through virtual efforts, and supported local and regional disaster responses, blood drives, and much more throughout the Pacific … Continue reading Why I Serve: AmeriCorps Team Member Ashley Joos

Why I Volunteer: Meet Diane Campbell

Story and photos by Dan Santos/Red Cross Public Affairs When Diane Campbell was 16, her grandmother suffered a heart attack. Her grandmother recovered from the emergency, but it had a life-changing impact on Diane.  Campbell, desperate to seek knowledge on what to do if this were to happen again to one of her loved ones, found the opportunity to help when her high school offered an … Continue reading Why I Volunteer: Meet Diane Campbell

Red Cross Aids Hundreds Across Central California in July 2021

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 July 2021, our mission to alleviate human suffering in the face of disasters was on full … Continue reading Red Cross Aids Hundreds Across Central California in July 2021

Why I Serve: AmeriCorps Team Member Jacklynn Guerra

Despite the hardships the COVID-19 pandemic created, Jacklynn Guerra served with gusto for the Kern & Eastern Sierras Chapter in the past year. She connected with hundreds through our Preparedness Programs through virtual efforts, and supported local and regional disaster responses, blood drives, and much more. Get to know Jacklynn and how she became involved … Continue reading Why I Serve: AmeriCorps Team Member Jacklynn Guerra

Thank You for Saving My Life

Dear Blood Donor, There are no words to describe how grateful I am. Because of your decision to generously give blood, my life was saved. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Please let me share how your simple act of generosity changed a life. I was in the hospital fighting for my life as the result of … Continue reading Thank You for Saving My Life

Why I Volunteer: Meet Julie Creek

Julie Creek became an American Red Cross volunteer in June 2020. Since then, she has gone on to not only serve her neighbors of the Central Valley community, but hundreds across the West Coast as well. "I joined the Red Cross because I was looking for a way to serve the community and I loved … Continue reading Why I Volunteer: Meet Julie Creek

Sound the Alarm Effort Empowers Thousands to Stay Safe From Home Fires

Every day, seven people die in home fires, most often in homes without working smoke alarms. That’s why the American Red Cross launched our Home Fire Campaign in 2014 to save lives. Sound the Alarm is a critical part of the campaign. Through our home visits, we’ve installed more than 2.1 million free smoke alarms and prepared more than 2.3 million people for … Continue reading Sound the Alarm Effort Empowers Thousands to Stay Safe From Home Fires

Safe Grilling Tips this Summer

Grilling food is so popular that more than three-quarters of U.S. adults have used a grill — yet, grilling sparks more than 10,000 home fires on average each year. To avoid this, the Red Cross offers these grilling safety tips: Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals … Continue reading Safe Grilling Tips this Summer