Cliff Holtz, President of the American Red Cross recently posted on LinkedIn:

I was on my way to Los Angeles to visit our teams during the wildfire response when I stopped for gas. I was wearing my Red Cross jacket, and a man approached me with his wallet in his hand. He proceeded to hand me almost all the money he had on him and said he wanted to buy me lunch as a thank you for all the Red Cross was doing in LA. I thanked him, but told him I didn’t need lunch and that he should keep his money. He shook his head and pressed the dollars into my hand anyway. That money went straight to the Red Cross response efforts.

This incredibly generous gesture reminded me of the kindness we extend to one another even in the toughest moments.

As the Los Angeles community continues on its long path to recovery, they are not alone, we are still there helping– one step at a time. I’m grateful to our teams, our volunteers, our partners and to the everyday heroes who remind us why this work matters.

A few stories of those we have helped along the way

It’s been one year since destructive wildfires swept through Southern California, destroying hundreds of homes and upending lives across the region.

Thanks to the joint efforts of hundreds of volunteers, generous financial donors, and dedicated community partners, the Red Cross reached about 178,000 people with relief and recovery services, including over $51 million in financial assistance; served more than 188,500 meals and snacks; and provided nearly 21,000 overnight shelter stays. 

Families are still on the road to recovery. The following are just a few of the people we're honored to have helped along the way:

Vignettes of five stories of recover