Answering the Call: Manny Lerma’s enthusiastic attitude makes a positive difference

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By Cindy Huge, Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer Each person who comes in to contact with American Red Cross Volunteer, Manny Lerma, is greeted with words of comfort and a caring smile. Lerma has been volunteering for the Red Cross for nearly the decade and has deployed 27 times, across Central California and the United … Continue reading Answering the Call: Manny Lerma’s enthusiastic attitude makes a positive difference

Serena’s Volunteerism Spans Across Multiple Continents

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By Cindy Huge, Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer “She is the best volunteer and kindest person here,” said Edward Power, a Kern River Valley resident. Power and the other shelter residents have enjoyed meeting one of American Red Cross' newest volunteers, Serena, who has been working in the Tehachapi Shelter as a result of the … Continue reading Serena’s Volunteerism Spans Across Multiple Continents

Everyone is Welcome . . . Pets Included!

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Terri Birch grew up in Oklahoma on the ancestral lands of the Wichita people, a confederation of Southern Plains Native American tribes. Later, she raised a family, living and working in busy Orange County, CA. She was happy to retire to the mountains, giving up the rat race and buying a six-acre ranch in Bodfish, … Continue reading Everyone is Welcome . . . Pets Included!

Here We Go Again

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California Couple Flees Another Wildfire By Cindy Huge, Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer Debra Thomas' husband woke her from an afternoon nap to alert her about the imminent danger posed by the Borel Fire, prompting them to evacuate. This nightmarish scenario feels familiar to Debra, who has had to evacuate four times in the past … Continue reading Here We Go Again

Finding Joy Amongst the Ashes

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Grandmothers’ Wedding Ring Found following a Devastating Home Fire By Cindy Huge, Public Affairs Volunteer During the chaos of an early morning fire that engulfed their beloved home, a family of six found themselves homeless and distraught. Thanks to the persistent barking of their dog, they were alerted to the danger and managed to escape … Continue reading Finding Joy Amongst the Ashes

Educating for Impact: Sydney’s Dedication to CPR Education with the American Red Cross

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By Alison Votaw, Communications Volunteer Sydney Highter's introduction to the American Red Cross is one that many young people have in common, she donated blood and felt a little faint after. Despite this, she overcame her fears and remained committed to giving back to her community throughout high school and college. “I wanted to help … Continue reading Educating for Impact: Sydney’s Dedication to CPR Education with the American Red Cross

The SAF Lifestyle of Jo Barsenas

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By Anna Kumor, Red Cross Volunteer Jo Barsenas makes a life of serving the armed forces alongside her enlisted family members. “My dad was a veteran. He was a three-time purple heart award.  My son is an army veteran. My husband's a Navy veteran. And I have 9 nieces and nephews currently serving. I've come from a military home! My … Continue reading The SAF Lifestyle of Jo Barsenas

Rebuilding Hope

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Written by Andrew De La Rosa, Red Cross Volunteer When devastating wildfires swept across Maui and the Island of Hawaii in early August, thousands were forced to flee their homes. In the wake of this heartbreaking disaster, American Red Cross volunteers and employees have worked tirelessly to deliver critical aid as residents cope with unthinkable … Continue reading Rebuilding Hope

Meet Some of the Women Who Lead Like Clara Barton

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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. Known as the “Angel of the Battlefield,” Clara had cared for wounded soldiers during the Civil War before establishing the Red Cross in the U.S., where she was a visionary leader in … Continue reading Meet Some of the Women Who Lead Like Clara Barton

Community on Deployment with Volunteer Mary Bock

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Written by Anna Kumor, 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. Known as the “Angel of the Battlefield,” Clara had cared for wounded soldiers during the Civil War before establishing the Red Cross in the U.S., … Continue reading Community on Deployment with Volunteer Mary Bock