Media contact: Cass Bonfiglio
Red Cross of Northern Nevada
cass.bonfiglio@redcross.org | 704-577-1808
RENO, Nev. (Sept. 23, 2024) — The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada extends its sincere gratitude to the local community for its support and generosity during the recent Davis fire. In the wake of the wildfire, the Red Cross played a pivotal role in providing essential care and resources, including meals for workforce partners at the Washoe County Emergency Operations Center and for evacuees and volunteers at the evacuation center and shelter.
After the Davis fire started on Sept. 7, Red Cross volunteers staffed the shelter for those forced from their homes. Red Cross volunteers and staff worked with local groups, first responders and government agencies to ensure everyone stayed safe during the wildfire.
“Our volunteers are trained and experienced in this kind of disaster response, but the community’s response to our efforts was truly uplifting,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. She noted that residents frequently visited the facilities, eager to support the Red Cross through volunteering or donations. “This disaster impacted many, yet numerous individuals and businesses, even those not directly affected, were eager to assist the Red Cross. The community’s generosity and humanitarian spirit were remarkable,” Ruster added.
Partners who generously provided support include:
Northern Nevada Volunteers Creating Change
As the community starts to recover from the Davis Fire, Northern Nevada volunteers continue their mission of emergency preparedness and disaster response across the 13-county service area. “Our committed volunteers are always ready to respond,” Ruster said, “but the need for more volunteers remains a priority across our organization.”
Volunteers provide essential services such as food, shelter, comfort and hope during emergencies, whether it’s a home fire or a larger disaster. They also equip residents with lifesaving skills and offer support services to military members, veterans and their families through the Service to the Armed Forces program. Additionally, volunteers engage with youth through emergency preparedness training tailored for children and young adults.
To learn more about volunteer positions in Northern and Rural Nevada contact Ericka Smith at ericka.smith@redcross.org or call 775-225-3392 or visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday. The training is free, and equipment is provided.
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.
