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.
Are you feeling nervous about deploying to a disaster with the American Red Cross? Here's one volunteer's experience to help ease your worries. This past March, Lisa Harrold raised her hand to deploy for two weeks to support evacuees after severe flooding near the river had forced many to evacuate in Tulare County. This assignment … Continue reading Deployment Jitters? Lisa Harrold Shares Her First-Time Deployment Story
Registered Nurse Joins American Red Cross as a Volunteer, Encourages Others to Follow Suit By Christine Owens, Communications Volunteer Ernestine Lewis, a registered nurse for 33 years, retired in March 2023 but wanted to extend her commitment to serving the community by joining the renowned humanitarian organization. She hopes to make a meaningful difference in … Continue reading Nurse Ernestine Lewis Finds Home with the Red Cross
This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re highlighting volunteers who play an important role in helping the American Red Cross fulfill its humanitarian mission every day. They come from different backgrounds with traditions and cultures that are native to their heritage and upbringing. This month, we recognize and honor the work of our … Continue reading Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Meet Alex Pham
Our Red Cross volunteers come together during times of crisis and suffering to provide aid when it is needed most. They come from different backgrounds with traditions and cultures that are native to their heritage and upbringing. This month, we recognize and honor the work of our Asian American and Pacific Islander volunteers for all … Continue reading The Future of the Red Cross: Meet Angad Gill
By Mason Anthony, Communications Volunteer More than 20,000 veterans serve as American Red Cross volunteers. One of those volunteers is Ray Quintana, a long-term American Red Cross volunteer and Vietnam Veteran, who recently was a passenger on a Central Valley Honor Flight. He joined 67 other veterans who traveled to Washington D.C. to see the … Continue reading Celebrating Military Appreciation Month: Ray Quintana
By Mason Anthony, Communications Intern From educating our local middle school youth on how to stay more physically active to giving her valuable time to the Red Cross as a volunteer, Varlene Kimura has a passion for serving her community. Over the last two years, Kimura has volunteered at multiple Sound the Alarm events where … Continue reading From P.E. Teacher to Red Cross Volunteer, Varlene Kimura Makes a Difference
This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we’re highlighting men and women who play an important role in helping the American Red Cross fulfill its humanitarian mission every day. This week, we’d like to feature Hannah Wirz, a dedicated volunteer who serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for our Pacific Coast Chapter. Here … Continue reading Inspiring the Next Generation of Volunteers: Meet Hannah Wirz
By Taylor Poisall, American Red Cross Communications "If I'm going to use my time here on Earth, I want to make sure that it's serving a purpose." Thilani Grubel If you ask Thilani Grubel what her goal is in the next ten years, she’ll tell you she wants to “do good and solve problems.” This … Continue reading Meet the Board: Thilani Grubel “Serving a Purpose”
by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer On Thursday, March 9, 2023, NOAA issued a warning that an atmospheric river – the technical term for a torrential rainstorm - would hit Central California. In the following weeks, storm after storm drenched the entire state, causing devastating flooding and forcing entire communities to evacuate to higher ground. … Continue reading The Power of Community – Neighbor Helping Neighbor
By Taylor Poisall, Red Cross Public Affairs You would never expect that Michael Pritchard and Sue Krueger met less than a week ago. The pair of volunteers have deployed to Central California to support evacuees in shelters across Tulare County. "We're already finishing each other's sentences," laughed Krueger. The pair have become fast friends. Together, … Continue reading Called to Serve: How Two Volunteers Are Making a Difference in Central California
Red Cross Central California Blog 