More than 20 volunteers from ARC/GNY came to the aid of residents of northern San Diego County during the wild fires last year. St. Peter's Catholic Church and School in Fallbrook, California, was among the sites to convert its facilities into a temporary shelter for those made homeless.

"It brought tears to my eyes to see how grateful the children were for the Red Cross presence," said Ira Goldman, the Fallbrook shelter manager.

The fifth grade students at St. Peter's were excited that their school played a role in helping others. The children showed their appreciation to Ira and the Chapter by sending 25 beautifully crafted thank you notes.

Ira has been a volunteer at ARC/GNY since 2005 and performed numerous assignments on behalf of the Chapter including public affairs representative, shelter manager and PRO Team coordinator.