What a Difference You Made

 

by Regional Executive, Joel Sullivan

From ice storms to polar air to multiple inches of snow, communities across the state have endured a relentless series of extreme weather conditions.  The areas on the northern Cumberland Plateau were hardest hit. Many looked like a tornado had come through. 

Volunteers at a shelter in Sevier county.

You were there!  Across Tennessee, the Red Cross opened 31 shelters, provided overnight stays for 1,572 individuals and served more than 24,000 meals and snacks for those seeking warmth and shelter following winter storms in the last month. Many of our shelter residents had medical needs which made sheltering a bit more difficult. We ensured those needs were met. 

While we were responding to the storms that were occurring, home fires did not stop. Winter is the worst time of year for home fires.  As our volunteers were serving those in the storms, we continued to serve those who suffered a home fire.  At the most heartbreaking point in a person’s life, when they have lost everything, you were there!

Each year, the Red Cross responds to an average of nearly 70,000 disasters, from single-family and apartment home fires to severe storms, floods and wildfires. People in need turn to us in their darkest hours because they know they can depend on us for immediate relief and help through their recovery.

You were there with your time, talent and treasure.  Your donation of those three essential resources made it possible for our teams to brave the harsh winter elements to ensure those in need were served.  I encourage you and your family to take steps now to prepare for any disaster you may face. You can visit the Red Cross website at redcross.org/prepare/disaster to learn more about what your family can do to be prepared.

Thanks to YOU, we were there!