Reporter

   Since August, residents and several businesses in Bakersfield, California have been assisting those affected by the natural disasters Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria, and the Mexico City earthquake.

   Hurricane Harvey hit Texas and Louisiana on Aug. 25. Then, on Sept. 10, Hurricane Irma in Florida, and Hurricane Maria followed and devastated Puerto Rico before moving on to the Turks and Caicos.

   Another addition to the natural disaster season was the Central Mexico earthquake.

   According to a CNN news excerpt from Sept. 20, by Nicole Chavez, the earthquake echoed the Mexico City earthquake from 1985 by occurring on its anniversary.

   Staff and volunteers from Red Cross and partnering companies have traveled to help hurricane victims in their communities.

   Due to the abundance of donations and services, necessities and health services are provided to those suffering from the storms.

   Meghan Lara, CSU Bakersfield sociology major, said she started working for Red Cross at the right time and that it is very rewarding.

   “It goes to show how important it is to pay attention to science,” said Lara.

   Megin Hughes, disaster program manager, said more than 3,200 Red Cross volunteers sent to devastated sites and about 2.5 million meals have been sent to devastated sites.

   “Larger disasters put a spotlight on need,” said Hughes. She manages the central California region of Red Cross in Bakersfield.

   “Natural disasters bring the community together,” said Lara.

   Local establishments have been accepting donations from customers towards relief.

   On Sept. 21, local fitness retail company Sole 2 Soul Sports along with sponsors Pair and Marotta, La Rosa, and Bakersfield Track Club raised over $3,000 for hurricane and earthquake relief.

   Volunteers and employees participated in a 4k mile run for more relief support.

   Sysco Food firm, The Broken Yolk Café, Bolthaus Properties and Wallace & Smith raised over $13,000 on Sept. 8 for Hurricane Harvey.

   Donations went to the American Red Cross for the victims living at the Houston Convention Center.

   Other companies including Flood Ministries, PG&E, Salvation Army, Lowes, Home Depot, and Walmart have collaborated with the Central Valley Red Cross to help collect donations from the public. Customers are given the option to donate funds during their visits.

   If you would like to donate to any of the disasters, please visit https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation or visit any local Red Cross or the participating company locations mentioned above.