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 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
By Lucca Lorenzi, Communications Volunteer In January of 2019, Christine Wilson joined the American Red Cross after retiring from her career in local government. Wilson knew she had wanted to join the Red Cross after her sister suffered a home fire. When she went to help her sister, Wilson was met with two Disaster Action … Continue reading Christine Wilson: Finding a Calling
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
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
The Santa Paula High School “girl’s gym” built in the 1930's was more than just a historical building - it was filled with memories shared by so many in the community. Generations of students, some of whom now work at the school, shared what that building meant to them from attending prom to practicing with the … Continue reading Santa Paula High School Fire Impacts Nearby Residents
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
By Osvaldo Rodriguez I was invited to spend a few hours volunteering on a Saturday morning by my friend Eddie, who is also the Executive Director of the American Red Cross in Kern County, to volunteer for Sound the Alarm. He informed me that the company that I work for, The Wonderful Company, had partnered … Continue reading The Impact of Giving Time
Red Cross Central California Blog 