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 Alison Votaw, Communications Volunteer Ten deployments in a just over a year's span is impressive for any American Red Cross volunteer, but for Deborah Blaze, Deb as her friends call her, it's just the beginning. As Deb considered her options after retirement, a friend noted her high energy lifestyle and recommended the Red Cross. … Continue reading “I love to serve.” A Disaster Responder’s Journey Across the County
By Cindy Huge, Public Affairs Volunteer With 27 years of volunteering and 15 deployments under his work belt, Jerry Chavez is a dedicated American Red Cross volunteer. He has spent the last week in the Kern River Valley, supporting people in their recovery after the historic Borel Fire left devastation in its path. To him … Continue reading 27 Years of Volunteering and Counting
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
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
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
Red Cross Central California Blog 