Keeping Pets and Owners Together in Wake of the Ferguson Fire

Red Cross and CCADT shelter over 500 pets of wildfire evacuees [Photo Credit: American Red Cross] Fleeing from wildfires can be traumatic and having pets close has been proven to reduce stress and comfort owners driven from their homes by fire. This inspired Katrina Poitras, Central Valley Red Cross Disaster Program Manager, working with Naomi … Continue reading Keeping Pets and Owners Together in Wake of the Ferguson Fire

Red Cross Delivers Letters of Love to Firefighters Battling the Ferguson Blaze

By Will Washburn & Jillian Robertson Firefighters come from far away to battle wildfires burning across the state. This means faster response to out of control blazes, but it also means long separations from friends and loved ones. The Red Cross Central Valley chapter is working to change that. Katrina Poitras, Red Cross Central Valley … Continue reading Red Cross Delivers Letters of Love to Firefighters Battling the Ferguson Blaze

Honoring Our Volunteers

This week, April 15 – 21, 2018 is National Volunteer Week, and we’re taking the time to celebrate and honor the incredible volunteers that make our Red Cross work possible. Last month we celebrated the occasion early, with Volunteer Appreciation dinners throughout the region. At each event, we invited volunteers to write down their favorite … Continue reading Honoring Our Volunteers

Get Prepared California! Auction

With an unprecedented amount of large-scale natural disasters over that last several months, many striking right here in California, we’re even more grateful for our volunteers, donors and partners. This incredible level of response demonstrates the need for preparedness and what it means to have a kit, make a plan and be informed. And, while … Continue reading Get Prepared California! Auction

Youth Volunteers Raise Money for Disaster Relief

On a bright and sunny Saturday, March 31st at Oak Canyon Community Park in Ventura County, CA, I had the honor of joining local Red Cross event-base volunteers Anurag Karra (North Hollywood Highly Gifted Magnet High School), Sriram Potluri (Oak Park High School), and Aneesh Ankareddy (Oak Park High School) for a 5K Walk-a-Thon. The youth-led … Continue reading Youth Volunteers Raise Money for Disaster Relief

Local Volunteer Honored with National Red Cross Award

Local volunteer Judy Stahl was honored with the national Humanitarian Services award at Red Cross headquarters in Washington D.C. last month. Judy has been a proud Red Crosser for 9 years, most recently serving as a volunteer leader for the Pacific Division. From the event ceremony program: "Judy Stahl is a leader. She is strategic, … Continue reading Local Volunteer Honored with National Red Cross Award

Santa Barbara Volunteer Becomes ‘Part of the Solution’

Updated January 28, 2018 Gayle Labrana, a teacher and former Peace Corps volunteer, felt inspired to lend a hand after recent fires and an unprecedented mudslide devastated her hometown. After her daughter was evacuated from her home during the Thomas Fire in early December, Gayle sought a way to give back to the community. She … Continue reading Santa Barbara Volunteer Becomes ‘Part of the Solution’

American Red Cross continues to serve residents affected by Montecito Mudslide

Updated January 29, 2018 The Red Cross is continuing to provide supplies at multiple sites through the day with updated times, 9am-3pm daily. Distribution points include 1) US Post Office, 2245 Lillie Ave., Summerland, CA 93067 and 2) Montecito Fire Station #2, 2300 Sycamore Canyon Rd., Montecito, CA 93108.   Updated January 27, 2018 If … Continue reading American Red Cross continues to serve residents affected by Montecito Mudslide