“I’ve been fortunate in my life, and there are a lot of people who haven’t been,” says Andy. “I’m glad for the opportunity to give back.”
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‘He is meant to be alive’
“When you’re trained and your staff is trained, it should run like clockwork. It should be like a well-rehearsed dance.”
‘Go-To Guy’ is the Marin Volunteer of the Year
“What would we do without Kevin? He is the silent backbone of Marin Red Cross.”
Heeding the call and going all-in
After speaking with Dave Dorman for 30 minutes, you might wonder if he does anything else outside of the Red Cross. He’s a self-described “semi-full-time volunteer.” This same unwavering dedication earned him the Regional Volunteer of the Year Award.
Human connection: the heart of the Red Cross
Almost thirty years after her first interaction with the Red Cross, Jane Jennings has won the Red Cross’s highest volunteer award, the Clara Barton Meritorious Leadership Award.
Leading leaders and finding gems
What I love most is the people – the clients AND the people that volunteer and work with the Red Cross. We make a real difference in client’s lives.
Helping communities come back together
“Disaster is a great equalizer,” says John. “People may be separated by socio-economics, cultural differences, etc., but when a disaster hits, everyone finds themselves at the same level.”
Latino Engagement Team deployment reinforces the value of community connections
Mariana Vimbela, who deployed as part a member of the Red Cross’ Latino Engagement Team’s response to the Glass Fire in October, says the deployment reinforced the importance of making connections in the affected communities in order to maximize our relief and recovery efforts.
Follow the training; save a life
On Thursday, September 17, Ken Toren, Chief Executive Officer, Red Cross Silicon Valley, presented James Bird with the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Action.
How Red Cross teams supported those affected by regional wildfires
The wildfires that have caused so much devastation in our region since mid-August have prompted critically important responses by many Red Cross teams.
‘I just can’t thank you enough’
Mike and Ila Ervin, who fled their rural home near Santa Rosa as flames from the dangerous Glass Fire roared toward them, are very grateful for the Red Cross help they received during their evacuation.
Among evacuees, Esalen staffers are grateful for Red Cross
Almost two dozen staff members from Esalen Institute were among the evacuees from the destructive Dolan Fire, giving them a front-row seat to the Red Cross response.
Fire, fear, and a helping hand
An upbeat man with a ready laugh, Bill now he admits being stunned by the evacuation. “As we were leaving, I was noticing all these cops coming up here, and I was thinking, wow, this is, like real.”
A smile to share
“I like being social and like to give back,” says BreAnna. “Our parents always said we were very blessed and that we should always give back. I thought the Red Cross was a way I could do that.”
Actor discovers why our volunteers have been VIPs during CZU Fire
Award-winning actor Casey Affleck and a friend helped CZU Fire evacuees as part of the large-scale Central Coast relief effort.
‘This One Really Hit Me’ — A Volunteer Story
Anne is a recovery casework volunteer and spends her days calling people impacted by wildfires to offer Red Cross support services. As well as resources, Anne also spends long hours on the phone, offering one invaluable service: connection.
Red Cross is Music to My Ears
Dennis Patterson’s first love is playing music, but his second is helping others, so he was “blown away” by the American Red Cross’ response to the California Wildfires.
Shelter from the (fire)storm
Vacaville area resident Karen Stickler, her husband, and their dog fled their home because of the LNU Fire, eventually finding a Red Cross shelter where they received care and comfort.
Helping others, even during her own time of need
Waiting to learn the fate of her own home, which was in the path of the CZU Fire, Linnea Dunn did what brings great satisfaction to her: She helped others as a Red Cross volunteer.
A leader in ‘a beautiful circle of caring’
Like so many American stories, Lillian’s begins with immigration, determination, and hard work.
Volunteers distribute PPE to healthcare providers supporting agricultural workers
At a one-day event in Salinas on July 27, more than two dozen volunteers from the Central Coast Chapter distributed lifesaving personal protective equipment (PPE) to Monterey County practitioners who provide healthcare to local fieldworkers.
