Red Cross volunteers mobilized to help Paso Robles apartment fire survivors           

By Dan Santos, Red Cross Public Affairs “Emergency workers from the American Red Cross came to assist the victims.”  That’s how news reports often sum up what happens at a disaster once emergency crews have finished their work. It was no different with the Dry Creek Apartments fire in Paso Robles on Sept. 21.  An early morning blaze … Continue reading Red Cross volunteers mobilized to help Paso Robles apartment fire survivors           

Red Cross Aids Hundreds Across Central California in September 2021

The Red Cross responds to 60,000 disasters a year — and the vast majority of these are home fires. For disasters big and small, our volunteers provide comfort during what can be the worst days of people’s lives. In September 2021, our mission to alleviate human suffering in the face of disasters was once again … Continue reading Red Cross Aids Hundreds Across Central California in September 2021

“The wise people are ready”

By Taylor Poisall, Red Cross Public Affairs Pauline Meachum is no stranger to evacuating from wildfires. Last week, the Windy Fire forced her to have to leave her home for the third time as a Camp Nelson resident. Since her first experience evacuating, she has learned some lessons and shared her wisdom with us. “We … Continue reading “The wise people are ready”

A Little Goes a Long Way

Submitted by Sara Bloom, Sheltering Volunteer during the Creek Fire in Central California. “Cards are my thing, I enjoy making and sending them out to friends and family, and with the pandemic, I finally ended up with more time to make them.  The 'hug' card I made last year was a design I had made … Continue reading A Little Goes a Long Way

Turning Heartbreak into Hope

By Cindy Huge, Red Cross Public Affairs Every eight minutes the American Red Cross responds to emergencies both locally and nationally. On August 18, 2021, the American Red Cross of Kern County and Eastern Sierra Chapter was activated to help shelter residents evacuated from the French Fire. Volunteers and staff set up a shelter at … Continue reading Turning Heartbreak into Hope

Meet the Red Cross Shelter’s Honorary Event Planner

By Taylor Poisall, American Red Cross Public Affairs Jessica Dotterer has a personality you can't help but be immediately drawn to. She would introduce herself as the unofficial event planner and a member of the welcoming committee at one of our Red Cross shelters for the French Fire. You would never know that she had … Continue reading Meet the Red Cross Shelter’s Honorary Event Planner

“We felt safe in the Red Cross shelter”

New members of the community evacuated by the French Fire share their experience By Cindy Huge, Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer Their retirement life and long-time dreams of living in the mountains came to an abrupt standstill, for Danny and Li Mullinax, when a call came from their neighbor that their home was under an … Continue reading “We felt safe in the Red Cross shelter”

Help Turn Heartbreak into Hope

Become a Red Cross Volunteer This Summer Retired firefighter and Red Cross volunteer, John Martinez shows evacuated residents information about the Creek Fire We in Central California know all too well how devastating wildfires can be to our communities. Last year, wildfires burned 4.3 million acres across California and led to the largest disaster relief … Continue reading Help Turn Heartbreak into Hope

Red Cross Aids Hundreds Across Central California in July 2021

The Red Cross responds to 60,000 disasters a year — and the vast majority of these are home fires. For disasters big and small, our volunteers provide comfort during what can be the worst days of people’s lives. In July 2021, our mission to alleviate human suffering in the face of disasters was on full … Continue reading Red Cross Aids Hundreds Across Central California in July 2021