A One Year Anniversary, A Devastating Loss, A Treasure Found, And Gratitude

Local volunteer Michele Maki is currently on deployment in Gatlinburg, Tennessee as part of the Red Cross response to the deadly wildfires that have destroyed hundreds of homes and displaced thousands. Here is one of many heartbreaking stories Michele has experienced on her journey so far. “We bought this home……one year ago-yesterday….. just one year….”, his … Continue reading A One Year Anniversary, A Devastating Loss, A Treasure Found, And Gratitude

Red Cross Workshops Support Local Military Families

To any outsider, the beige hotel ballroom full of people and round banquet tables probably looked like any other conference. But what was happening inside was remarkable. On this particular day, dozens of local military families were receiving life changing resources to help them cope with deployment. It was all part of a Yellow Ribbon … Continue reading Red Cross Workshops Support Local Military Families

Deployment Diaries from Hurricane Matthew

  Central California Regional Communications Director Jessica Piffero is one of thousands of Red Crossers from around the nation that has deployed to the east coast as part of the Hurricane Matthew disaster relief operation. As a Public Affairs supervisor, she is based in South Carolina and leading team of Public Information Officers and storytellers. … Continue reading Deployment Diaries from Hurricane Matthew

Community Spirit Shines Through Wildfire Relief Efforts

The smoke grew thick and dark as flames of the Cedar Fire began coming down the side of black mountain towards Marcela Freerks’ home early Saturday morning. Freerks, 68, was having trouble breathing from the smoke when her son encouraged them to leave their home and seek housing at a Red Cross shelter. In the … Continue reading Community Spirit Shines Through Wildfire Relief Efforts

Local Red Cross Supports Louisiana Flood Relief Efforts

The American Red Cross is helping thousands of people in Louisiana affected by the devastating flooding there, likely the worst natural disaster since Superstorm Sandy in 2012. More than 7,000 people spent Tuesday night in Red Cross and community shelters, and thousands more are without power in hot, humid conditions. The state has been hit … Continue reading Local Red Cross Supports Louisiana Flood Relief Efforts

Local Red Cross Responds to Multiple Fires in Kern County

The Erskine Fire began of the afternoon of Thursday, June 23, 2016, evacuating thousands of Kern River Valley residents and destroying more than 280 homes. While the Red Cross was providing relief and comfort to the impacted families on Friday, July 1, the Deer Fire broke out in Bear Valley Springs, near the mountain town … Continue reading Local Red Cross Responds to Multiple Fires in Kern County

Fire on Father’s Day: Dads Volunteer for Sherpa Fire Response

  An ideal Father’s Day for John Parsons would usually be sleeping in and reading the newspaper. But on this Father’s Day, John and many more volunteers like him, are instead giving their time to volunteer on the American Red Cross Sherpa Fire response in Santa Barbara County. The father to three children and three … Continue reading Fire on Father’s Day: Dads Volunteer for Sherpa Fire Response

Heroes Series: Serving Those Who Serve Our Country

There are 19.3 million military veterans in the United States as of 2014, and California is home to the largest veteran population in the nation with nearly two million. That means there are countless people and organizations like the Red Cross working hard every day to support our local veterans and their families. Two of those … Continue reading Heroes Series: Serving Those Who Serve Our Country

Local Volunteer Honored with National Nursing Award

Central California volunteer and registered nurse Eleanor Guzik has devoted over 4,000 hours since 2012 to serving others through the American Red Cross. On March 9, 2016 Guzik was honored with the Ann Magnussen award, the highest honor of individual nursing achievement in the American Red Cross. From disasters to teaching other volunteers, Guzik has … Continue reading Local Volunteer Honored with National Nursing Award