Category: Crozier Fire

Celebrating Resilience: A Volunteer’s Impact at the Red Cross Shelter

Written by Marcia Antipa, Red Cross Volunteer

Carla A. Gunning celebrating the birthday boy, Harley Johnson

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.

Red Cross volunteer, Carla A. Gunning | Photography by: Marcia Antipa, American Red Cross

Crozier Fire Shelter Snapshot: ‘The food is good here’

By Marcia Antipa, Volunteer

“The Sheriff banged on my door at two in the morning and said to get out.  I had a go bag all packed but forgot to bring it.” 

Beverly Stevens evacuated her mountain home in Swansboro, CA, escaping the Crozier Fire that threatened her community. The fire started on August 6. She had to leave behind three cats and her horse.

The 81-year-old was staying at the now-closed Red Cross Shelter at the Cameron Park Community Center. She has an upbeat attitude, saying, “The food’s good here, and my daughter’s friend brought me a bag of my favorites – Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!” 

The Red Cross, along with partners from El Dorado County and the Salvation Army, provided hot food, a safe place to sleep and other services at this shelter. 

American Red Cross volunteers continue to monitor fire activity all over California. If you would like to help those affected by the California Wildfires, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).