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.
Women have played an important role in fulfilling the lifesaving American Red Cross mission since Clara Barton founded the organization more than 140 years ago. Known as the “Angel of the Battlefield,” Clara had cared for wounded soldiers during the Civil War before establishing the Red Cross in the U.S., where she was a visionary leader in … Continue reading Meet Some of the Women Who Lead Like Clara Barton
Written by 有天若 Tianruo You, Red Cross Volunteer Women have played an important role in fulfilling the lifesaving American Red Cross mission since Clara Barton founded the organization more than 140 years ago. This March — which is recognized as both Red Cross Month and Women’s History Month — we take a look at some of the … Continue reading Reyna Pearce: Inspiring Lives and Building a Culture of Volunteerism
By Andrew De La Rosa, Communications Volunteer In the heart of Central California, Dana Sakoda, a retired elementary school teacher with a 22-year-long career behind her, has emerged as a source of comfort for those affected by disasters. American Red Cross volunteers like Dana are on the frontlines of disaster response, supporting families across the … Continue reading A Lifetime of Service
By Alison Votaw, Communications Volunteer Lester Fuzell may have retired from the Fire Department, but he never retired from doing what matters: helping others. Lester's story begins as a young kid visiting a Halloween festival in his hometown. At the festival, he was immediately intrigued by a beautiful red ladder truck and noticed a fireman … Continue reading A Firefighter’s Second Act
By Andrew De La Rosa, Communications Volunteer During Military Family Appreciation Month and National Native American Heritage Month, the American Red Cross is recognizing Red Crossers who continue their service in local communities across the country. Since our founding more than 140 years ago, veterans have stepped up to support their communities after their active-duty … Continue reading Service and Commitment: John Navarro is a Catalyst for Change and Community
By Alison Votaw, Communications Volunteer There's one moment that Kenya will never forget - it's the moment that inspired her to give back to the Red Cross. The "A-Rock Fire" in 1990 was an event that forever changed the course of Kenya's life. It was the second-largest fire in the history of Yosemite, and it … Continue reading From Evacuee to Volunteer, Kenya Deto Brings Comfort to Disaster Survivors
By Anna Kumor, Communications Volunteer Sharon Shou, has served as an American Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Volunteer and has deployed to disasters six times, including two this year. Sharon played a role in the Cultural Awareness pre-deployment training of disaster responders heading to Guam after Typhoon Mawar struck this summer and also deployed to … Continue reading Talking Story with Sharon Shou
Many Red Crossers find gratification in deploying to disasters across the country and beyond. “But it’s just as valid to stay behind,” said Erick McCurdy, a longtime volunteer from Santa Barbara. “When everyone deploys, someone needs to stay behind and keep the lights on.” As a local disaster manager in his hometown, McCurdy is well-qualified … Continue reading Helping at Home . . . and Around the World
When Christina Adame contacted the Oxnard Fire Department seeking assistance with smoke alarms for her home, they referred her to the local Red Cross chapter. Understanding the urgency of her request, the response was swift. Volunteers Amanda and Drew Haver, dedicated Mass Care Team members, and Steve Medina from the Disaster Action Team promptly visited … Continue reading Home Fire Campaign Enhances Life Safety
When Christin Newlon (pictured left), an American Red Cross volunteer, saw the news about Hurricane Ian striking Florida in September 2022, she knew she wanted to help. She raised her hand to deploy from Paso Robles, California to Arcadia, Florida and she specifically made plans to go around Thanksgiving. Christin serves many roles at the … Continue reading Christin Newlon Helped Aid Heartbroken Residents in Hurricane Ian’s Wake
Red Cross Central California Blog 