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.
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
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
By Alison Votaw, Red Cross Communications Volunteer The first thing you may notice about George Manolakas is his infectious laugh and positive attitude. George joined the American Red Cross in 2022, after retiring at the age of 70 from being an attorney. George said he had sat on several non-profit boards and he knew he … Continue reading George Manolakas Proves Time and Compassion Make an Impact
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
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
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
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
Red Cross Central California Blog 