Letter from East Tennessee Executive Director Michelle Hankes, December 2014

The holidays are a season for giving, for remembering, and for looking forward. Each of us celebrates in his or her own fashion, but I would ask each of you to pause for a moment to consider the following things:

• Last year, East Tennessee volunteers attended 341 disaster operations, assisting 416 families with shelter, clothing, food and kindness.

• Nearly 3,000 people downloaded Red Cross Apps that will help them during flood, tornado or other crisis.

• Services to Armed Forces volunteers provided services to 1,608 military families.

• 28,738 people received training in First Aid, CPR, and AED.

The work you have done leaves a lasting imprint on the lives of countless individuals. Sometimes the effects our programs have are immediate, other times they don’t appear for years down the road. But remember: The choice you made in joining the Red Cross was vital to somebody. And if they can’t say thank you, let me. Thank you for all you have done and will continue to do for your community!

The most important resource we have at the Red Cross is our volunteer workforce. I would ask you to reach out to a friend this month and make an offer to them to come join you at a volunteer meeting. Have them come tour our office, or explore the online volunteer orientation. Share your experiences and your stories. Welcome them to our Red Cross family. It might be the best present you ever give.