Thursday, February 11, 2016

Letter from Tennessee River Executive Director, Faye Anderson-February 2016

Hearts Open, Arms Outstretched

February is known as the month where everyone stops for one day to recognize that special someone in their life.  Men feel the need to send lavish flowers and chocolates to their special someone and we (women) delight in the attention.   Many times we watch the door in anticipation to see if the next bouquet of flower delivery has our name on it.

In this organization, every day is Valentine’s Day.  Our volunteers share their heart and their hugs with complete strangers.  Walking onto a scene where a family has lost everything inspires a hug and is just what is needed in that moment.  I have watched the Tennessee River volunteers give away pieces of their heart almost daily to someone who needs to be encouraged and helped along this journey we call life.  They show up just in time and they stay well beyond to make sure the family is well taken care of.

When we lead and respond with our heart, the mission of the Red Cross comes full circle.  We get up every day thinking “who can I help today?”  Sharing our hearts as a volunteer as well as a staff member of the American Red Cross is something that happens naturally…always without being asked to do it….it’s just part of who we are as an organization.


During this month of hearts, candy and flowers may we all remember that the true value of our hearts is how many times we can share it with those in need.

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