The American Red Cross is witnessing an outpouring of support and humanity as volunteers step up to assist those affected by the catastrophic wildfires ravaging California. Beverly Turham, forced to evacuate with her neighbor’s ten-week-old dog, Coco, found solace at the Pasadena shelter, where Red Cross volunteer Alexis Helgeson provided much-needed support and camaraderie. Eighty-eight-year-old Fay Austin shared her harrowing experience of fleeing her Altadena apartment as flames approached.
After finding all the hotels full, a police officer directed her to the Red Cross shelter, where volunteers attended to her every need and offered a listening ear. In Pasadena, Red Cross disaster spiritual care volunteer Collene Thompson provided comfort and playtime to one-year-old Mia, whose mother, Rosa, was forced to evacuate with her two children. The shelter offered children a safe space to play, helping parents cope with the daunting task of rebuilding their lives.
Volunteers at the Pasadena shelter have been on the front lines, providing hot meals and ensuring a safe haven for evacuees. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Red Cross volunteers from across the country, Pallets of essential supplies, including food, comfort kits, diapers, and medical necessities, have been organized and distributed. Helen Reese, a 101-year-old evacuee, shared her story of resilience.
After fleeing her Sierra Madre apartment, she found refuge at the Pasadena shelter and praised the volunteers for their kindness and support. Jacquelyn, displaced while moving out of her student housing, found unexpected relief at the shelter with her son, DeMarco. Grateful for the meals and safe environment, she commented on the care her family received as they navigated this challenging time.
Red Cross disaster health services volunteer Julin Wood has provided critical medical support at the shelter, from initial health assessments to replacing prescriptions and medical equipment left behind during evacuations.
Volunteers offer support to evacuees
To streamline aid, volunteers Peter Casas and Piet Hagenaars have employed satellite mapping technology to quickly assess and identify damaged homes. This enables faster and more efficient distribution of assistance funds.
The ongoing wildfires have devastated thousands of Californians, leaving homes destroyed and lives upended. The Red Cross has been a beacon of hope, offering food, shelter, emotional support, recovery planning, and financial assistance. It has been inspired by the spirit of service, especially as the National Day of Service in honor of Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. approaches, countless individuals have stepped forward to volunteer, donate blood, and contribute funds to support the relief efforts. For those affected by the fires, Red Cross shelters offer critical resources without the need for identification or the requirement to stay overnight.
Over 550 Red Cross responders work tirelessly to provide meals, snacks, health care, and emotional support. The Red Cross also delivers essential financial assistance to households within the fire perimeters. It encourages those impacted to apply for federal aid independently, as Red Cross assistance is not tied to FEMA. In the face of this crisis, the Red Cross appeals for help.
Donations can be made by visiting their website, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or texting CAWILDFIRES to 90999. Blood donations are also crucial, especially as the wildfires and adverse weather conditions have led to the cancelation of blood drives. As the frequency and intensity of natural disasters increase due to the climate crisis, the Red Cross continues to expand its efforts to support affected communities.
The organization remains a vital lifeline for those in need, empowered by the compassion and generosity of volunteers and donors nationwide.
