Written by Marcia Antipa, Red Cross Volunteer
On a recent day inside the Red Cross Shelter in Cameron Park, volunteers helped one young man celebrate his 20th birthday. Harley Johnson and his family evacuated from the mountain community of Volcanoville during the Crozier Fire. Staff and shelter workers arranged for birthday cake and a balloon and sang “Happy Birthday”. One volunteer drew Harley out of his shyness, dancing and singing with enthusiasm. “I’m real big on morale-boosting,” says Carla A. Gunning. “When people are in a situation like this, it’s easy to get discouraged, to feel lost, not having that sense of normalcy or routine.”
Carla first volunteered for the Red Cross during Hurricane Katrina. Then, after time in the military, she recently returned to the Red Cross.
Carla has a message for anyone who is thinking of volunteering for the Red Cross. “Just do it! It’s very rewarding, and you’re able to see the difference you can make in peoples’ lives, whether it’s getting them something to eat, or giving them a hug or a smile, or saying ‘Hey! happy birthday!’”
If you are interested in volunteering with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteer or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
Gold Country News and Notes 