Red Cross Central California Blog

Over 800 Community Members Become Red Cross Volunteers During Thomas Fire

Posted on December 27, 2017 by redcrosscentralcalifornia

The outpouring of support from the Santa Barbara and Ventura communities has been incredible. The Red Cross helps to mobilize local residents who want to help their neighbors after a disaster, including the Thomas Fire. When needed, community volunteers can expand the reach of trained Red Crossers by helping to hand out relief supplies or … Continue reading Over 800 Community Members Become Red Cross Volunteers During Thomas Fire

Thomas Fire Recovery Services

Posted on December 23, 2017December 30, 2017 by redcrosscentralcalifornia

Note: Click here to see an updated list of Red Cross service center dates and times (12/29/17). The American Red Cross is continuing to support residents affected by the Thomas Fire, even as the holidays approach. Several Assistance Centers are currently open to help local families as they recover from the largest fire in California … Continue reading Thomas Fire Recovery Services

Cold, Wet Winter Night

Posted on November 21, 2017 by redcrosscentralcalifornia

I remember it was right before Christmas when I received a call for a house fire. It was cold, late at night, and it had just finished sprinkling, so it was very wet out. I hesitated to go, however I knew that I had signed on so I decided to get up and answer the … Continue reading Cold, Wet Winter Night

Honoring the Veterans

Posted on October 30, 2017October 31, 2017 by redcrosscentralcalifornia

The Stand-Down was started in 1988 by Vietnam veterans, for Vietnam veterans, because when they came home they had no place to go and it has grown to what it is now. The Central Valley Veterans’ Stand-Down (CVVSD) celebrated its 27th year in September. The event is held annually for four days during the third … Continue reading Honoring the Veterans

Across Country Helpers: Two volunteers on a mission

Posted on October 6, 2017 by redcrosscentralcalifornia

10/06/2017 Two American Red Cross volunteers Jerry Chavez and Ray Quintana headed across the country to help their fellow compatriots dealing with the overwhelming effects of Hurricane Harvey. Driving a Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) from Fresno, California to Black Springs, Florida took about a week to arrive. Right now, more than 250 of … Continue reading Across Country Helpers: Two volunteers on a mission

24 Hours of Terror

Posted on September 1, 2017 by redcrosscentralcalifornia

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine yourself at home. You’ve been told a hurricane is coming your way and to prepare for the unimaginable. The rain has started falling. It gets heavier and the wind is picking up. You drive to the store and stock up on water, batteries, and food. The TV … Continue reading 24 Hours of Terror

Detwiler Fire: A tale of two mental health volunteers

Posted on July 28, 2017 by redcrosscentralcalifornia

It moved fast, furiously and forced hundreds of people from their homes. The Detwiler Fire was like no other for the residents of Mariposa and surrounding areas. It swept through dry brush, charred trees and demolished dozens of homes, leaving numerous residents without a place to live and stole all normalcy from their lives. In … Continue reading Detwiler Fire: A tale of two mental health volunteers

Comfort in the Face of Adversity

Posted on July 25, 2017 by redcrosscentralcalifornia

Janet Kirkland has been in the Hunter’s Valley community for the past thirty years and can make anyone smile. If there is one thing you need to know about Janet, it is that she is tenacious and that she is going to stay positive throughout the Detwiler Fire. One thing that brought her comfort, was … Continue reading Comfort in the Face of Adversity

Pouring Out Some Good

Posted on July 15, 2017 by redcrosscentralcalifornia

Last weekend 7-year-old Andrew George was celebrating his spiritual birthday by giving away lemonade at a lemonade stand with his family in his neighborhood by Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta, California. While he was giving away lemonade, people would leave him tip money as a thank you. While he and his family were giving … Continue reading Pouring Out Some Good

California Wildfires Update

Posted on July 10, 2017 by redcrosscentralcalifornia

Rick and Ronda Rozanek had left their Lake Cachuma campsite for the day when they heard about the Whittier Fire evacuations. Stranded in a new place with just the clothes on their back, they found relief in the Red Cross emergency shelter at San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara, California. They were grateful for … Continue reading California Wildfires Update