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.
By Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer No matter how long someone has been a Red Cross volunteer, chances are they’ve heard of Robert “Bob” Strojek. With nearly a decade of service to the American Red Cross, Bob’s journey began when then-Disaster Program Manager Kurt Russell attended a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) class Bob was … Continue reading Serving with Purpose: Bob Strojek’s Red Cross Legacy
"Every year, 95.5 KLOS listeners rally to the drumbeat—donating blood and saving lives with heart and soul. It’s a tradition of compassion, courage, and community spirit that shines especially bright during the summer, when the need for blood is at its highest," said Eric Horton, regional donor services executive with the American Red Cross Los … Continue reading KLOS Radio and the Red Cross Team Up to Rock
“There’s always a lot of great people out here and it’s for a great cause,” said Marine veteran Jose Rojas, standing beneath a pop-up shelter near the starting line of this year’s Ride for the Red. “We’ve done this ride a couple of times before,” said his ride partner and fellow Marine veteran Raul … Continue reading 2025 Ride for the Red Benefits Local Military and Veterans
Just two months ago, Steve Medina and scores of local volunteers were supporting the Ventura County community during the Mountain Fire. At that time, American Red Cross Los Angeles Region volunteers traveled north to assist and lend a hand when it was needed most. Never missing an opportunity to return a favor, Medina immediately volunteered … Continue reading Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Lifelong Camarillo resident Kim Price-Marczuk has deep roots in her community. It was these local bonds that led her to become a volunteer with the Red Cross. “My former high school advisor was [volunteering] and posting pictures (on Facebook), so I messaged him and asked ‘How do I get involved in the Red Cross?’” Two … Continue reading Ready to Serve – Near and Far
Miyoshi Higa snapped this photo of the approaching Mountain Fire as she evacuated her home Volunteer Christine Rosso comforts Miyoshi Higa at the Red Cross shelter in Camarillo, Ca. Higa evacuated her home with just minutes to spare as the fast-moving Mountain Fire threatened her neighborhood. “I smelled smoke and thought my neighbor was cooking,” … Continue reading Families Find Refuge from Disastrous Fire Storm
Jim Steel is no stranger to the Southern Sierra Nevada mountains, having lived in the high-altitude pine forest for the last 20 years. In that time, he has also become familiar with the devastating wildfires that are an all-too-common occurrence. So it wasn't the first time he and his wife found their home in the … Continue reading Twice Burned But Never Shy
It was a warm, sunny April afternoon in Ojai, California when a group of Red Crossers were finally able to meet face-to-face with Ignacio. Everyone was all smiles as he wheeled himself onto the front porch to meet the people that had spent countless hours in the previous months helping him to regain his mobility, … Continue reading Together We Can Do So Much
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
When Christina Adame contacted the Oxnard Fire Department seeking assistance with smoke alarms for her home, they referred her to the local Red Cross chapter. Understanding the urgency of her request, the response was swift. Volunteers Amanda and Drew Haver, dedicated Mass Care Team members, and Steve Medina from the Disaster Action Team promptly visited … Continue reading Home Fire Campaign Enhances Life Safety
Red Cross Central California Blog 