Who are your local heroes? Red Cross wants to know

The saying goes, “Think globally; act locally.” In the case of the American Red Cross, we gather each year to celebrate the selfless acts of local individuals who have acted incisively, bravely and, sometimes, at great personal risk or sacrifice to help someone in need.

By focusing on local acts of kindness and generosity, we can raise awareness of the important work the Red Cross carries out not only locally, but regionally, nationally and internationally. The Red Cross is dedicated to providing relief from suffering that we, as individuals, simply do not have the resources to provide alone. In this way, our giving can help our neighbors down the street, across the nation or around the world.

During the devastating Butte and Valley fires last September, more than 1,700 homes were destroyed, bringing heartbreaking losses to thousands of Californians in Calaveras, Amador and Lake counties. While the fires raged, and in the weeks that followed, American Red Cross workers – mostly volunteers, including volunteers from Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties – focused on the immediate needs of affected residents, including shelter, food, cleanup and providing relief items, health services and emotional support.

Six months later, with the recovery process well underway, the Red Cross and its partners continue to care for the people and communities impacted by these destructive wildfires.

During the crisis, the Red Cross raised $5.5 million specifically for the September fires and, as of March 7, has spent or committed to spend nearly $4.7 million for communities impacted by the fires. As you might know, donations made to the Red Cross can be earmarked by the giver to go to a specific disaster or region, or to general relief efforts. Ninety-one cents of every dollar raised by the Red Cross goes directly to humanitarian services and programs.

Once the immediate crisis abated, the Red Cross shifted to long-term recovery mode, providing financial support or casework that helps families plan their recovery.

Close to home, the Red Cross is working with community leaders through Calaveras Recovers – with the knowledge that recovery will be a marathon, not a sprint. One goal is to help build 100 homes for fire survivors who were uninsured or underinsured as well as providing help in repairing septic tanks and wells that were damaged by efforts to fight the fires.

Last year’s Heroes event recognized two alert teachers who reacted swiftly to save the life of a student; two friends who performed a dangerous and daring rescue of a stranger off the California coast; and a truck driver who dragged a woman from her car minutes before it exploded in flames. We also paid tribute to quieter heroes, including those whose compassion for animals has saved hundreds and a local man who decided he could help by offering up a kidney to a complete stranger.

Thinking locally, perhaps you know someone who matches the description of “hero.” If so, I encourage you to raise up that individual by nominating him or her as an American Red Cross hero at www.redcross.org/goldcountry. Deadline for nominations is April 5. Our heroes will be honored in Modesto on May 18.

This story was originally published April 1, 2016 at 2:01 AM with the headline "Who are your local heroes? Red Cross wants to know."