By Dej Knuckey On the first Earth Day in 1970, twenty million Americans gathered to protest pollution and industrial waste. No one was using the term “climate crisis” yet, but the biggest pollutants of
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A Closer Look at the Science and Stories Behind Donated Blood
Special guests visited the American Red Cross blood processing center in San Leandro, learning about the importance of blood donation. Advocates shared personal stories, emphasizing the need for diverse donors. The event revealed the complex matching process for blood and the critical impact donations have on patients’ lives.
More Than a Store: What Community Really Means After Disaster
The American Red Cross could not help communities recover from disasters without the help of community partners. In Chinese Camp, a historic small town outside Sonora
The Heart of a Shelter: Jodi Wallace’s Strategic Lead in the Alaska Typhoon Recovery
For American Red Cross volunteer Jodi Wallace, the call to deploy to natural disasters is a lifelong mission. Most recently, she was one of the
The Promise of Blood from Diverse Donors: A Red Crosser’s Emotional Commitment to Saving Lives
Ed Faso, a blood donation advocate, shares his journey inspired by the support his mother received from U.S. Navy sailors. He now works with the American Red Cross to boost blood donations, particularly from the Black community, essential for sickle cell patients. Ed honors his late colleague Chaznee Brown’s legacy in this vital work.
Stronger Together: A Couple Who Brings Heart to Red Cross Disaster Relief
American Red Cross volunteers Caroline and Richard Matera exemplify dedication by documenting fire damage in Chinese Camp while maintaining their relationship. Since 2014, they have been key responders to disaster calls and engage with the community to recruit new volunteers. Their teamwork not only aids disaster response but strengthens their bond.
The Detective of Disaster Zones: How a Red Crosser Reunites Lost Families
She still remembers her first missing persons case from eight years ago. An older woman was frantically looking for her daughter and granddaughter who had disappeared after
From Saving Lives to Sharing One: A Red Cross Romance
Bill O’Callahan and Julie Glascock’s story illustrates the profound impact of service through their long-standing involvement with the Red Cross. From Bill’s childhood connection to his mother’s use of its services during his birth to Julie’s international humanitarian work, their shared commitment to helping others strengthened their bond, showcasing how service shapes individual lives and communities.
From Royal Encounters to Red Cross Shelters
Not every British Red Crosser can say they met the queen of England, but Marco Couch is one of the lucky ones! Marco joined the British Red
Fifteen Minutes of Courage: One Family’s Proof that CPR Training Saves Lives
In the early hours of September 9, Phillip Vasquez was getting ready for work at 4:30 a.m. when his routine suddenly shifted. Without warning, he
From California to the Carolinas: How one Red Crosser is helping those impacted by winter storms
By South Carolina Red Crosser Nick Gibson As winter storms have affected South Carolina over the past two weeks, many American Red Cross employees and
A Lifetime of Giving Back: How Blood Donation Became Part of Fred Sullivan’s Healthy Life
At 91 years old, Fred Sullivan wakes up every morning at 4:00 a.m., laces up his shoes, and gets moving. Before most people are even
American Red Cross NCCR Volunteers Provide Relief to Thousands of Alaskan Survivors of Typhoon Halong
When American Red Cross volunteer Karl Matzke, from Santa Clara County, received the call to organize a team and deploy to Alaska, there was no
You Don’t Have to Be a Nurse to Help: Volunteer’s Story Shows There’s a Role for Everyone at the Red Cross
Tammy Salwasser from Alameda County thought she had to be a nurse to volunteer with the American Red Cross. “I first heard about it from
Red Cross Volunteer Brought Hope and Housing Help to LA Fire Survivors and Others
What happens when you have nowhere to go after a disaster? What if your neighborhood is destroyed, or your home is no longer safe? For those affected by the January 2025 fires
“A Very Different Beast”: Red Cross Volunteer Recalls the Devastation of Los Angeles Wildfires
It had been a children’s playground in Altadena, Calif. Now, a melted toy sat upon a melted jungle gym. Scraps of canopy were whipping in the
Investing in Preparedness: Inside the CAP Bus Tour
When torrential rain opened over California in the winter of 2023, few could have imagined the devastation that would follow. Fueled by rare atmospheric rivers, communities were flooded with destruction
Lyra Kelly: Just Trying to be Helpful through the American Red Cross
I first met Lyra Kelly when we were both deployed (aka sent out to a disaster response operation) to help people severely affected by the Spring 2025 tornadoes in St. Louis. Well-organized and
Hero Among Us: Vacaville Volunteer Firefighter Receives Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action
20-year-old Vincent Hayes, a Vacaville volunteer firefighter, was presented with the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action (CEPA) by the American Red Cross on November 18 for his heroic actions of saving a man’s life while at “The Happiest Place
Training the Next Generation of Babysitters
On a recent rainy day, a dozen young students aged 10 to 13 gathered at the Marinwood Community Center in San Rafael. The three boys
Creative Collaboration Between Red Cross and Community Partners Solves Problems in a Disaster Zone
After a severe typhoon in Guam, Red Cross volunteers partnered with local school bus drivers to deliver food to the community. Their efforts highlighted the importance of community engagement, addressing needs, and ensuring support reaches vulnerable populations during disasters.
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