The American Red Cross provides support in disasters such as the fires in California.

Following the disastrous wildfires that destroyed more than 16,000 structures in the state of California, hundreds of families were affected and many are still in the recovery process, which is still ongoing, for which the American Red Cross is working tirelessly to support them, and along with its partners, continue in the process.

The Red Cross has reported that hundreds of its Red Cross members are providing support in California to those facing the wildfires, including 450 people who have been staying in emergency shelters.

According to its latest report, the Red Cross has provided more than 14,500 overnight stays in shelters and, with the organization’s partners, has delivered more than 128,000 meals and snacks.

The Red Cross indicates that as communities reopen and recover, cleaning supplies, flashlights, masks, gloves, water and other necessities are available and more than 102,000 items of assistance have been provided.

It has also reported that the Red Cross is providing financial assistance to residents living in the areas affected by the Eaton, Palisades, Hurst and Kenneth fires, as mandated by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES).

So it is very important that if you receive a call, text message or email from the Red Cross, follow the instructions provided in the message.

And, if you lived within the perimeter of the fire and are unsure if you received a message, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
It should be remembered that the most recent round of the immediate financial assistance program ended on February 26, 2025, but the Red Cross notes that they will have more information about upcoming assistance programs on their website.

Individuals with pending cases may continue to receive information from the Red Cross.

If you would like to speak with an agent about a pending financial assistance application, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Visit redcross.org/redcross/get-help for more information about recovery resources in your area.

It is very relevant that if you want to help help help you can donate to the American Red Cross, so if you want to support the Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts, do it through a click, a text message or by phone. Help those affected by disasters such as storms and other disasters. Visit CruzRojaAmericana.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from all types of disasters, no matter the magnitude.

And remember, the combination of wildfires and dangerous winter weather has led to cancellations of Red Cross blood drives and the loss of several thousand life-saving blood donations.

So the Red Cross is taking this opportunity to remind you that donors of all blood types, especially O-negative and platelet donors, are needed to help save lives. And now that it is safe to do so, we encourage people to schedule an appointment to donate blood through the Red Cross Blood Donor app at RedCrossBlood.org or by phone at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The American Red Cross says its team is working on a high volume of volunteer requests. To get involved, visit CruzRojaAmericana.org/volunteers and sign up today so they can connect you with specific areas of need in your community.