CENTRAL CALIFORNIA, JULY 8, 2024 – The American Red Cross is a beacon of hope, providing essential aid to people affected by disasters big and small.
Throughout the last two weeks, Central California Red Cross volunteers braved record-breaking heat over the holiday weekend to open five shelters across five counties for communities displaced by wildfires. Additionally, volunteers helped 156 people displaced by 43 home fires in the same period. Through it all, Red Cross volunteers provided shelter, food, emotional support and financial assistance for families in need across Central California.
Residents of Central California are facing an above-normal wildfire season as the climate crisis threatens to upend more communities. “The Red Cross is responding to almost twice as many large disasters as we did a decade ago,” Tony Briggs, regional executive of the Red Cross Central California Region. “People are struggling now, and you can help by donating time, money or blood.”
JOIN US, VOLUNTEER This growing need for help means that the American Red Cross is seeking new volunteers to support families facing their darkest moments. The Red Cross depends on volunteers — representing 90% of its workforce — to provide shelter, comfort, hot meals, health services, recovery support and more to families left in need after disasters.
Team-oriented people who want to made an immediate difference should visit redcross.org/volunteer to sign up. There is a critical need for local Disaster Action Team, Shelter Services and Health Services volunteers. Training is free but your gift of time and talent is priceless.
YOU CAN HELP people affected by disasters like wildfires, floods and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
If you are impacted by wildfires, you can find safety steps here. Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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