Letter from East Tennessee Executive Director Michelle Hankes, March 2015

March might be Red Cross Month, but last month, the Red Cross volunteers truly stepped up to challenges after ice storm after ice storm battered East Tennessee. 

As the executive director of the East Tennessee Chapter, I am so proud of the American Red Cross volunteers and staff who have given so much time and effort over the past month, helping those who needed shelter or lost their homes during the Tennessee winter storms.

Snow and bitter temperatures took hold of the Southern regions of the United States this winter. In Tennessee alone, the Red Cross opened more thank 30 shelters, provided overnight stays for more than 1,500 individuals and served nearly 19,000 meals and snacks for those seeking warmth and shelter following winter storms in February. From ice storms to polar air to multiple inches of snow, communities across the state have endured a relentless series of extreme weather conditions.

 

Hundreds of volunteers and community partners worked together to serve these communities, from Maryville to Crossville and from Jellico to Sweetwater. The past few weeks have served to remind us the importance of training, relationships, and our mission.

March is a month to thank those who have served others. It’s a time to educate the community on Red Cross programs. It’s a time to think about the future.

Thank you for all you do!