Red Cross Central California Blog
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.
Written by 有天若 Tianruo You, Red Cross Volunteer Women have played an important role in fulfilling the lifesaving American Red Cross mission since Clara Barton founded the organization more than 140 years ago. This March — which is recognized as both Red Cross Month and Women’s History Month — we take a look at some of the … Continue reading Reyna Pearce: Inspiring Lives and Building a Culture of Volunteerism
By Andrew De La Rosa, Communications Volunteer In the heart of Central California, Dana Sakoda, a retired elementary school teacher with a 22-year-long career behind her, has emerged as a source of comfort for those affected by disasters. American Red Cross volunteers like Dana are on the frontlines of disaster response, supporting families across the … Continue reading A Lifetime of Service
By Andrew De La Rosa, Communications Volunteer During Military Family Appreciation Month and National Native American Heritage Month, the American Red Cross is recognizing Red Crossers who continue their service in local communities across the country. Since our founding more than 140 years ago, veterans have stepped up to support their communities after their active-duty … Continue reading Service and Commitment: John Navarro is a Catalyst for Change and Community
By Anna Kumor, Communications Volunteer Sharon Shou, has served as an American Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Volunteer and has deployed to disasters six times, including two this year. Sharon played a role in the Cultural Awareness pre-deployment training of disaster responders heading to Guam after Typhoon Mawar struck this summer and also deployed to … Continue reading Talking Story with Sharon Shou
Many Red Crossers find gratification in deploying to disasters across the country and beyond. “But it’s just as valid to stay behind,” said Erick McCurdy, a longtime volunteer from Santa Barbara. “When everyone deploys, someone needs to stay behind and keep the lights on.” As a local disaster manager in his hometown, McCurdy is well-qualified … Continue reading Helping at Home . . . and Around the World
by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer On Thursday, March 9, 2023, NOAA issued a warning that an atmospheric river – the technical term for a torrential rainstorm - would hit Central California. In the following weeks, storm after storm drenched the entire state, causing devastating flooding and forcing entire communities to evacuate to higher ground. … Continue reading The Power of Community – Neighbor Helping Neighbor
By Taylor Poisall, Red Cross Public Affairs You would never expect that Michael Pritchard and Sue Krueger met less than a week ago. The pair of volunteers have deployed to Central California to support evacuees in shelters across Tulare County. "We're already finishing each other's sentences," laughed Krueger. The pair have become fast friends. Together, … Continue reading Called to Serve: How Two Volunteers Are Making a Difference in Central California
By Lucca Lorenzi, Communications Volunteer In January of 2019, Christine Wilson joined the American Red Cross after retiring from her career in local government. Wilson knew she had wanted to join the Red Cross after her sister suffered a home fire. When she went to help her sister, Wilson was met with two Disaster Action … Continue reading Christine Wilson: Finding a Calling
by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer As Hurricane Katrina battered New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, the Red Cross put out an urgent appeal for volunteers. For Jennie and David Risard, this was a call to action. “I heard on the radio that there was a training class for volunteers,” recalls Jennie. “I had heard … Continue reading Spreading Love Everywhere They Go
It was a frightening night for the Gonzalez family. Torrential rains and high winds pummeled their car, making it difficult to see through the windshield even with the wipers on high. Forced from their home by the storm, they drove through the night, eventually making their way to the safety of a Red Cross shelter. … Continue reading Finding Comfort in the Storm
Red Cross Central California Blog 