Red Crossers Sophie Rebecca (left) and Eleanor Najjar greet Fleet Week visitors.
By Alex Keilty
She was sprawled on the ground with her arms and face covered in bruises. “I remember the firefighter scooping me up,” says Sophie Rebecca Najjar. She was just 6 years old and it was her introduction to the American Red Cross. Lucky for Sophie, the firefighter was real, but the bruises were not. She had been painted with makeup to look like a victim for a disaster practice exercise she attended with her mom. She had a great time that day!
Now all grown up, Sophie was back helping the Red Cross at its booth at San Francisco Fleet Week, from Oct 11 to 13, 2024. San Francisco Fleet Week is an annual public event and a renowned air show. It honors the contributions of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces while advancing cooperation and knowledge among civilian- and military-based Humanitarian Assistance personnel.
The American Red Cross joined the festivities for Fleet Week, which ran from October 11 to 13, 2024 in San Francisco.
It was her mom, Eleanor, who brought Sophie to that disaster simulation so long ago. Eleanor first got involved with the Red Cross after the Loma Prieta earthquake in California 35 years ago. Unable to volunteer at that time, she vowed to be ready for the next emergency and began training with the Red Cross. She spent time responding to disasters like home fires, installing free smoke alarms in local homes, was a board member until recently and has devoted time to many of the Red Cross programs and services, including the Service to the Armed Forces work that brought her to Fleet Week.
When asked why she felt it was important for the Red Cross to be at this event, Eleanor said, “We were founded as an organization that helps on the battlefield.” And although the Red Cross mission has expanded since that time, its work to assist those in the military is still just as important.
This was Sophie’s first time attending Fleet Week with the Red Cross, and she said she was encouraged to come by her mother. “My mom really wants us to help out,” says Sophie, of herself and her siblings.
We are happy the Najjar’s have made volunteering for the Red Cross a family affair!
View more photos from our Red Cross team at Fleet Week here.
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!