Max Sanchez (center) conducts disaster relief outreach in Latino communities during the Red Cross wildfire response in Southern California. Photo: Rosemary Callahan/American Red Cross
Max Sanchez describes the work he does as if he were a detective. He finds leads, follows them, and when he’s successful he has solved a piece of a case. But Max does not work for a detective agency. He’s a leader with the Latino Engagement Team (LET) at the American Red Cross.
When fires threatened homes and families across Los Angeles, many members of the affected Hispanic and Latino communities fled to safety with family and friends in nearby neighborhoods. These affected individuals and families will likely qualify for no-cost American Red Cross services, but they may not be aware of this support.
That is where Max comes in. On this day, he began in Alhambra, just south of Pasadena. Max had received a tip that community members there might have taken people affected by the Eaton Fire into their homes.
We made our first stop at Fire Station 71, headquarters of the Alhambra Fire Department. With a smile on his face and a firm handshake, he told three firefighters about his mission to find and help Latino community members who need support. They told Max that they’re not in this neighborhood and directed us to a market.
As we made our way to the market, one member of our team noted a Catholic Church nearby — The San Gabriel Mission. We visited the parish office and spoke with the manager, who’s passionate about doing what he can to support people after the fire.
He told us about his 15-year-old daughter, who’s eager to help. Her passion is what inspired him to apply to consider becoming a volunteer with the American Red Cross. Despite his own congregation not being affected by the Eaton fire, he’s driven to help and told us he’ll help get the word out to the people of his community.
Next, we reached the market where we posted flyers in Spanish, informing the community of available Red Cross services. As we headed towards the door, a woman approached Max and asked, “May I have one of those flyers? I’m a teacher at the middle school, and I want to help get the word out.” Max handed her a few flyers, and she said she’ll send them to every teacher she knows.
The day continued like this, hopping from one market to another, stopping in at each church we found. Each time he spoke with a community member, Max’s eyes lit up, and I could hear his heart sing.
"Each time he spoke with a community member Max’s eyes lit up." Photo: Rosemary Callahan/American Red Cross
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!