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.
Ride for the Red was created in 2014 by enthusiastic local volunteers eager to share the story and history of the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program. As they gear up for the sixth annual Ride for the Red presented by Kinecta on Saturday, November 12, the volunteer committee has been recognizing local … Continue reading Ride for the Red Recognizes Military Heroes
By Cindy Huge, Red Cross Volunteer Life seemed to come to a halt when Cody Blackford heard the news that two of his family members had perished in a house fire. “I remember getting a call from my parents, while I was at work, informing me that my eighteen- and three-year-old nieces had passed away … Continue reading Profoundly Heartbreaking Experience Leads to Heartfelt Volunteerism
1 in 3 African American blood donors are a match for people with sickle cell disease Sickle Cell Awareness Month may be coming to a close, but the work of the American Red Cross initiative to grow the number of blood donors who are Black to help patients with sickle cell disease continues. The Red Cross is teaming up … Continue reading Blood Donations Are Crucial For Patients With Sickle Cell Disease – And You Can Help
By Taylor Poisall and Dave Wagner, Red Cross Communications Bernard and Lynda Brown moved to the Mariposa mountains from the Bay Area just over a year ago. After being forced from their home by the Oak Fire, they found themselves at a Red Cross evacuation shelter. "I looked out the garage door and everything was … Continue reading How Preparedness Made a Difference During a Wildfire Evacuation
This month, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the many Red Cross volunteers who give their time and talent to our mission. Volunteers like Manny Lerma who are driven with passion to serve their community and beyond. After his most recent deployment, Manny shared about his experience volunteering, his culture and how it has impacted … Continue reading The Three Amigos from the American Red Cross
Contributed by Vicky Ballmes and Kimberly Coley Mort Ward (Rev. Canon S. Mortimer Ward, IV), a 34-year Red Cross volunteer and foundational figure in Disaster Spiritual Care, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on July 28, 2022. Mort served the Red Cross in many roles including as an instructor, member of Disaster Health … Continue reading In Memory of Mort Ward
When 200 plus bicyclists venture out on the Ride for the Red this year, Matthew Weinburke will be at the head of the pack. “It was a challenging ride due to the hills and heat,” he said of last year’s ride, but he is not deterred. “This was a really good experience. I thoroughly enjoyed … Continue reading Pedaling for a Cause
By Taylor Poisall, Red Cross Communications Karrín Pachecho is no stranger to evacuating. On Wednesday, September 7, the North Fork resident was outside working in the yard when she heard planes flying overhead. "That's when I saw the flames. They were a rock-throwing distance away." "I thought I would do things differently this time. But … Continue reading “The Red Cross is #1 in My Book”
It’s important to know that you may have just two minutes to escape a home fire — which is the nation’s most frequent disaster. That’s why the American Red Cross is preparing families to act quickly through our Home Fire Campaign. “We are the leads for the Home Fire Campaign here in Ventura County,” said … Continue reading A Family That Prepares Together
By Barbara Wood, Red Cross Volunteer The story Aaron and Heather told me last month as they sat outside a Red Cross shelter in Mariposa eating dinner pierced my heart. They and two of their four children had lived for the past year in a very, very special complex, at the top of a dead-end … Continue reading Out of the Ashes, Hope Remains
Red Cross Central California Blog 