Fire Prevention Week: Meet Clifford MacBurney

By Lucca Lorenzi, Public Affairs Volunteer Ever since he was a teenager, Clifford MacBurney understood the importance of preparedness. In fact, so much so, he made a career of it. It began during his years at Southwest Ohio High School where MacBurney first began his involvement with the Red Cross. “You might say the Red … Continue reading Fire Prevention Week: Meet Clifford MacBurney

Red Cross Aids Hundreds Across Central California in September 2021

The Red Cross responds to 60,000 disasters a year — and the vast majority of these are home fires. For disasters big and small, our volunteers provide comfort during what can be the worst days of people’s lives. In September 2021, our mission to alleviate human suffering in the face of disasters was once again … Continue reading Red Cross Aids Hundreds Across Central California in September 2021

Why I Ride – Focus and Commitment

by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer “I’m mostly a mountain biker, so I rode my first Ride for the Red on a mountain bike. It was a tough 30 miles,” quipped Andrew Bonica, “but I’m a Marine and I don’t quit.” A lot has changed in Bonica’s life since that first ride in 2016. He … Continue reading Why I Ride – Focus and Commitment

Service to the Armed Forces: Volunteer Madeleine Dircks

By Dan Santos, Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer  In 1979, Madeleine Dircks was just out of high school in Southern California and the song “In the Navy” by the Village People seemed to be on the radio all the time.  “The boys on the Village People had the cutest outfits,” Dircks recalled. “It sounds kind of silly, but … Continue reading Service to the Armed Forces: Volunteer Madeleine Dircks

Hispanic Heritage Month: Meet Mary Bastos

By Lucca Lorenzi, Public Affairs Volunteer Mary Bastos has served the Central California Red Cross Region for over four years, but her propensity to help others began long before she became a Red Cross volunteer. At a young age, Bastos’ parents instilled in her the importance of dedicating their time to helping others; her father … Continue reading Hispanic Heritage Month: Meet Mary Bastos

Turning Heartbreak into Hope

By Cindy Huge, Red Cross Public Affairs Every eight minutes the American Red Cross responds to emergencies both locally and nationally. On August 18, 2021, the American Red Cross of Kern County and Eastern Sierra Chapter was activated to help shelter residents evacuated from the French Fire. Volunteers and staff set up a shelter at … Continue reading Turning Heartbreak into Hope

Red Cross Aids Hundreds Across Central California in July 2021

The Red Cross responds to 60,000 disasters a year — and the vast majority of these are home fires. For disasters big and small, our volunteers provide comfort during what can be the worst days of people’s lives. In July 2021, our mission to alleviate human suffering in the face of disasters was on full … Continue reading Red Cross Aids Hundreds Across Central California in July 2021

National Volunteer Week – Red Cross Offers Big Thank You to Our Volunteers

It’s the end of National Volunteer Week and the American Red Cross of Central California continues to honor our volunteers who bring to life our mission to help people in need. Red Cross volunteers give hope to families impacted by disasters, assist the military and their families, support blood drives, provide training and much more … Continue reading National Volunteer Week – Red Cross Offers Big Thank You to Our Volunteers

Your Local Red Cross Needs You

by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer “The Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 emergencies each year,” said the team leader standing at the front of the room. ‘Yeah,’ I thought, sitting in the classroom filled with new recruits, ‘I’ve responded to a few thousand emergencies myself.’ “The Disaster Action Team provides shelter for people … Continue reading Your Local Red Cross Needs You