(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — An American Red Cross Illinois volunteer in Los Angeles describes her experience helping victims of the Eaton fire in Pasadena.
"It's very emotional," Vicky Brown said.
Brown, of Rockford, arrived in California Saturday but said she's already had some tough conversations with victims who have lost their homes.
"There are so many people affected, and they have lost everything. And sometimes people say that, but this is not an exaggeration…. It's a massive type of recovery."
She is scheduled to be in California for two weeks.
"We are out in boots on the ground, either working at the shelters or working at other distribution centers and talking to the people who have been affected and the volunteers so that people have the correct information."
Brown is working at the Red Cross Shelter Pasadena as a public affairs supervisor.
"People need to know where the shelters are… where they can get food, where they can get additional assistance. They're starting to open other kinds of resources that are going to be available."
She said the shelter has reached capacity at 500 people, many who Brown said have expressed gratitude towards volunteers and first responders.
"You always look to the helpers, you know, and being a Red Cross volunteer means you can be a helper very easily. And I believe you always have to give back for all you've been given."
For those looking to help, Brown says the fastest and easiest way is through monetary donations at redcross.org.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Bluesky