# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C8kWJjwu2Ja
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/72589929-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/f1a392b70c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-06-23T18:15:21.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** American Red Cross (@americanredcross) — https://gondola.cc/americanredcross

## Caption

As a mom and someone who has had her life turned upside down by wildfires, volunteer Julie Prather understands what New Mexico families are going through.

"We lived in Southern California and evacuated four times," Julie said. "I know what it's like to be chased from your home by a wildfire. It is terrifying."

Now on her first deployment with the Red Cross, Julie is bringing comfort to those in our shelters, like Elizabeth and her grandmother, Crucita. They had to leave their home in Ruidoso after fast-moving wildfires threatened their town.

"I like working with children like Elizabeth, keeping them busy and helping them feel safe despite the disaster," Julie said. "To see her relax and giggle — that's what this work is all about."

Elizabeth has found a friend in Julie, sharing laughs and showing her how to make a bracelet from her craft supplies.

"Volunteers like Julie have such a calming effect," Crucita said. "We don't know what the future holds, but when Julie smiles and stops to play with my granddaughter, I feel a little bit better."

More than 130 Red Crossers like Julie are on the ground in New Mexico giving essential relief and support to people in need. They have been working around the clock, providing nearly 7,000 meals and snacks and more than 1,400 overnight stays in our shelters. ❤️

#NewMexico #RuidosoNewMexico #NewMexicoStrong #Wildfires #DisasterRelief #ThankYouVolunteers

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 208
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 4

## Tags

newmexicostrong, ruidosonewmexico, wildfires, newmexico, disasterrelief, thankyouvolunteers

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