The Power of Community – Neighbor Helping Neighbor

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

Called to Serve: How Two Volunteers Are Making a Difference in Central California

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

Join Me to Save Lives

Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Steve Medina is a Red Cross volunteer serving with the Disaster Action Team, in Mass Care, and recently as a part … Continue reading Join Me to Save Lives

Celebrating Black History Month: Meet Terry Dotson

During Black History Month, we celebrate the African American and Black individuals that make our organization and the communities we serve what they are today. This week, we’re highlighting Terry Dotson, Business Operations Specialist for the American Red Cross Pacific Coast Chapter. We spoke with him about Black History Month and the importance of giving … Continue reading Celebrating Black History Month: Meet Terry Dotson

Spreading Love Everywhere They Go

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

Finding Comfort in the Storm

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

Meet the Board: Sabrina Ashjian

By Angie van Lingen, Red Cross Communications Volunteer As an esteemed member of our Pacific Coast Board, Sabrina Ashjian’s accomplishments have given her a solid foundation to be successful in any role she has undertaken, but her greatest leadership vision is inspiring every community member to be a community leader. Sabrina shared some words of … Continue reading Meet the Board: Sabrina Ashjian

American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter Announces Visalia Office Opening

The American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter is thrilled to announce a new office location at 208 West Main Street in Visalia. To celebrate, the Red Cross hosted an Open House and Ribbon Cutting event on November 18, 2022, where Red Cross staff and volunteers, community partners, elected officials and neighbors came together to celebrate. … Continue reading American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter Announces Visalia Office Opening

Stories from Ride for the Red 2022

by Linda Demyan, Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer What does it take to put on a successful fundraising event AND raise awareness?  On November 12th, it took 170 bike riders and 130 volunteers who braved a very cold morning and ended up with an amazing sunny day and $75,000 in donations raised. Participants in the three … Continue reading Stories from Ride for the Red 2022

The Client High Five

By Christin Newlon, Red Cross Volunteer Red Cross Volunteer, Miller Newlon, is a long way from his Paso Robles home. Having served in health services during Hurricane Katrina, Miller was eager to volunteer again with the American Red Cross upon his retirement. Seventeen years later, he is in Fort Myers, Florida as a Disaster Health Services … Continue reading The Client High Five