Red Cross Club

Baked goods from the Red Cross Clubs bake sale (Photo courtesy of Siya Shah)

By Briana Jauregui, staff writer

Of all the clubs that Maria Carrillo High School has to offer, the Red Cross Club may be one of the best options for students who want to help out their community. Through a direct affiliation with the American Red Cross, an organization that aids communities during natural disasters, students who are members of this club have the ability to do their own part for their community in a fun and social school setting.

Originally brought to MCHS by senior Kamila Salazar last year, the Red Cross Club aims to encourage others to volunteer more often and stay active within the community. The Red Cross Club meets every other week on Thursdays in M-1 and offers a wide variety of opportunities for anyone who wants to join. It encourages others to take time to contribute to the betterment of our society and to spread information about current world issues, such as natural disasters. 

“I became co-president of this club because [I] really wanted to create opportunities for people to participate [in],” said Siya Shah, one of the junior club officers. The club focuses on helping the community through fundraising events, volunteering at organizations, and hosting drives, such as book drives or canned food drives. Twice a month, the club volunteers at the Redwood Food Bank, where members earn volunteer hours by bagging up fruits or vegetables, as well as boxing cans.

There are also additional events that the club has put on such as the making of the “Holiday Kits'' for the homeless. Essentials such as pillows, kitchenware, toys, and board games were collected and purchased by the club officers and members for donation. Everyone gathered and worked on packaging, making cards, and taking inventory for the kits that were then donated to the Community Support Network, a service for adults who are homeless with behavioral challenges.

This club is very diligent and perfect for anyone who actively loves helping others and making a difference. “We really try to be as active as possible. It just makes us really happy when we help those who need it,” said Shah. “There's a bunch more to do in the coming months! It gives me something to look forward to!” said club member Stephanie Garcia, a junior, who enjoys the energetic vibe of the club.

Red Cross Club members volunteering at the Redwood Empire Foodbank (Photo courtesy of Siya Shah)

Additionally, the Red Cross Club puts a great deal of effort into thinking about our planet and creating a sustainable club through a variety of ways. “We believe in sustainability while conducting our events and keeping our world green,” said Baltonado. An example of this is shown during a bake sale, where the club tried their best to minimize waste by purchasing environmentally friendly materials, such as environmentally friendly bags, to put baked goods in. Many materials are also reused for any future fundraisers or events, and donations from club members play a big role in keeping the earth green, as it reduces the amount of extra items needed to be bought, overall reducing the overconsumption of unnecessary plastics. “We really are working harder to be more sustainable,” said Shah.

There are many future plans for the club this semester, such as park or beach clean-ups, book drives, school fundraisers, bake sales, a supplies drive for a women's shelter, and a tree-planting event.

Furthermore, many students really enjoy the club, as it allows them to gain volunteering hours while working with fellow peers. These events and volunteering opportunities are enjoyable experiences where you get to spend time and connect with other students, but it is also a great way to give back to the community. “I like the volunteering we get to do, since it actively gets us to help others. I’ve been able to gain volunteer hours while making me a better person, which enables me to support others,” said Kiera Schroeder, another junior from the Red Cross Club. “Not only is it good to volunteer and take part in the community, but you’re also doing it with people who want the best for others,” said Garcia. 

The amount of dedication, passion, and effort it has taken to make this club what it is today is quite significant. There are an endless amount of opportunities for students, showcasing the work that the Red Cross Club does for the advancement of our society.