American Red Cross California Gold Country Region

Capital Region Volunteers Help Out Oklahoma

Destruction in Moore, OK. Photo by Cynthia Olson

The tornado hit Moore, Oklahoma on Monday, May 20. On Tuesday, May 21, Capital Region volunteer Cynthia Olson was on a plane heading into the heart of the devastation to comfort those that had lost everything in an instant.

For the next 10 days, Cynthia would travel the impacted areas as part of a Red Cross Spiritual Care Team, providing a helping hand to those in need. Whether offering a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, or simply offering a hug, Cynthia and her team found ways to bring hope to neighborhoods that had been literally blown off the map. Continue reading Capital Region Volunteers Help Out Oklahoma

Rockin’ Rides II – Circle K and Riff Raff Car Club Team to Support Red Cross

The only thing hotter than the outside temperatures were some of the cars and motorcycles that showed up at the second annual Rockin’ Rides Old School Car and Custom Bike Show.

On Sunday, June 2, 2013, Circle K West joined with Riff Raff Car Club to once again bring Rockin’ Rides to Sacramento. Classic car and bike aficionados from around the region descended on Sacramento’s Hemlock Square for a day of fun in the sun with some truly awesome rides, great music, and plenty of food. Continue reading Rockin’ Rides II – Circle K and Riff Raff Car Club Team to Support Red Cross

The Aha Moment Tour Visits Sacramento

It’s a moment of clarity, a defining moment where you gain real wisdom – wisdom you can use to change your life. Whether big or small, funny or sad, they can be surprising and inspiring. Each one is unique, deeply personal, and we think, worth sharing.

These are Aha Moments, an idea brought to Sacramento by the Mutual of Omaha as part of the Aha Moment Tour 2013. During their recent Sacramento visit – the first stop of a nationwide tour – the Aha Moment team was kind enough to invite a few Capital Region Red Cross volunteers in to share their own special moments. Continue reading The Aha Moment Tour Visits Sacramento

Capital Region and KCRA 3 Team Up for Oklahoma Tornado Relief Telethon

By Carla Brown, Red Cross Volunteer, Stockton

On Wednesday, May 22, 2013, in the wake of the devastating tornado that roared through Moore, Oklahoma, the American Red Cross Capital Region Chapter partnered with KCRA 3 Sacramento to host a fundraising telethon to support the disaster relief efforts. Volunteers from the Red Cross and several local organizations – PG & E, Grainger, Vision Service Plan, Servpro, Cal EMA, and more – answered calls from viewers looking to get involved and help Oklahomans get back on their feet. And for 14 hours – from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm – the phone calls and donations poured in. Continue reading Capital Region and KCRA 3 Team Up for Oklahoma Tornado Relief Telethon

Red Cross Survey Finds People Unclear about How to Stay Safe in Water

Even though nearly two-thirds of families with small children plan on swimming in areas without lifeguards this summer, many people don’t know the right thing to do in water emergencies or how to keep their loved ones safe in the water, according to a new American Red Cross poll.

The survey findings show that people mistakenly believe some steps such as having a swimming buddy or flotation device will keep them safe. For example, while the Red Cross recommends that people always swim with a buddy in designated swimming areas supervised by lifeguards, buddies alone are not enough to keep swimmers safe. Continue reading Red Cross Survey Finds People Unclear about How to Stay Safe in Water

Sixth Annual Tea Affaire – Vintage High Tea

It was a trip back in time as ladies gathered for an afternoon of fun, fashion, and high spirits for the Sixth Annual Tiffany Tea Affaire. This vintage high tea event, an endeavor of the Tiffany Circle and Legacy Society, welcomed women from throughout the Capital Region to the Sacramento estate of Judy and John Reynan in celebration of the dedicated work of the American Red Cross.

Continue reading Sixth Annual Tea Affaire – Vintage High Tea

Are You Ready for Wildfire Season?

That haze in the air, the subliminal smell that makes you want to barbecue for dinner, the gentle ballad of wailing sirens flying down the road. Yes, Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner! Wait, no…..fire season. I mean FIRE SEASON!

Thanks to record dry conditions, warm temperatures and winds throughout California, it’s that time of year again already! Red Flag Warnings are in effect as wildfires are beginning to crop up throughout the state, providing a not-so-gentle reminder that the time to be wildfire ready is NOW. Continue reading Are You Ready for Wildfire Season?

May is National Water Safety Month

Well, there it goes. Did you see it? Winter certainly was in a big hurry to get out of town this year. If you blinked, chances are you missed the low temperatures all together. And now here we are, staring the fast-approaching summer right in the face!

For many of us, the warm sunshine is a most welcome sight. We can’t wait to swap the rain boots for flip flops, pull the cover off our swimming pools, and dive right into California’s greatest time of year (of course this is just one writer’s opinion). Continue reading May is National Water Safety Month

THANK YOU, Volunteers!!

The week of April 21-27, 2013 is National Volunteer Week! It’s a time to celebrate people doing extraordinary things through service. While we certainly appreciate and value these types of recognition weeks, for those of us in local Red Cross chapters that are fortunate enough to see the incredible work and dedication of volunteers in action on a daily basis, it’s hard to understand why there’s only ONE week per year set aside. The service, passion and energy Red Cross volunteers bring each and everyday is simply invaluable.

ERVTeams — Volunteers with the Emergency Response Vehicle Teams pause for a photo during the cross-country drive to help with Superstorm Sandy relief.

With a national workforce that is 97 percent volunteer, it is fair to say that the Red Cross simply could not fulfill its mission without the efforts of these selfless individuals. We proudly recognize and appreciate your work and passion for service – not only this week, but EVERY week. Continue reading THANK YOU, Volunteers!!

Capital Region Chapter Deploys Five Volunteers to Illinois for Flood Relief

As the Midwest battles devastating flood waters and braces for a long recovery, the American Red Cross is helping residents in flooded communities by providing food, supplies, and emotional support while also supporting sandbagging operations in nearby states that are preparing for flooding.

To support the flood relief efforts, the Capital Region Chapter has deployed local volunteers to help in some of the areas impacted. As of Thursday morning, five disaster services volunteers from Sacramento and surrounding areas were en route to Illinois to begin a two week assignment as part of the flood relief operation. Continue reading Capital Region Chapter Deploys Five Volunteers to Illinois for Flood Relief