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.
“Get out! Stay out! Call 9-1-1!” The elementary school students shouted the phrase in unison at Katie Kellum as she stood in the front of their classroom. A big smile broke out across her face as she realized her presentation was resonating with her audience of little preparedness experts. “It was awesome to see that … Continue reading Day in the Life: Pillowcase Project, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The afternoon sun was beating down on the asphalt as Heather McDowell walked across the parking lot towards the Camarillo Red Cross office. She entered the building and was greeted warmly by the volunteer in the reception area. It was time for a shift change, and it was Heather’s turn to assist at the front … Continue reading Day in the Life: Front Desk Squad, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
It was just after lunch when Megin Hughes pulled into her local Red Cross office. She and a team of other volunteers were going to spend the afternoon installing free smoke alarms in homes in a nearby neighborhood. It had only been a couple weeks since a fire had burned through a local apartment complex, … Continue reading Day in the Life: Home Fire Campaign, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
It was about lunchtime when Jamie Winters walked in the Fresno Red Cross office. As usual, there was a flurry of activity and excitement in the air as volunteers and employees were prepping for a weekend full of fundraising and preparedness events throughout the chapter. Jamie plays an important but often behind the scenes role … Continue reading Day in the Life: Volunteer Services, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hilary Swartz had just made her way into Fresno and was beginning to set up her classroom. The drive from her mountain home isn’t the shortest or the easiest, but she’s happy to do it in order to teach a new class of eager CPR students. She flicked on the lights and began lining up … Continue reading Day in the Life: CPR Class, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The CSU Channel Islands campus was still quiet as Laurie Hurtado made her way to the library. She and other Red Cross Club members were there early to set up for their blood drive. All week they had been tabling in front of the library to sign students and faculty up for the big event. Laurie … Continue reading Day in the Life: Red Cross Club Blood Drive, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
It was Cindy Huge’s birthday and she was looking forward to a relaxing day. “Today is my birthday and I am going to sit with my feet up and read a book!” she posted on Facebook. But as most Red Crossers know, a large disaster can change plans in an instant. Her phone rang. It … Continue reading Day in the Life: Public Affairs, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
It was early in the morning when Jack and Linda got the call. The sun wasn’t even out yet but The Breys were ready to leap into action. An overnight house fire had left a Santa Maria family of four without a home. Thankfully everyone made it out alive, but one family member had to … Continue reading Day in the Life: Disaster Action Team, 4:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.
We’re excited to begin this new adventure as a way to showcase the great work of our Red Cross team right here in Central California. You can look forward to stories, news, tips, and more from Red Crossers throughout or new ten county region. Submissions from volunteers, employees, clients and partners are encouraged, so if … Continue reading Welcome to the new Red Cross Central California Region Blog!
Red Cross Central California Blog 