TN Red Crossers Helping Folks in LA & Others States

As more Tennessee Red Crossers return home from deployment, many continue to help folks in Louisiana and other states, and more volunteers are deploying where help is needed. 

As of last night, 55 Tennessee Red Crossers have returned from deployment. Meanwhile, 90 Red Crossers from our state are still helping those affected by the devastating floods in Louisiana. Additionally, the American Red Cross is responding to disasters in other parts of the country, and three Tennessee volunteers are deployed outside of Louisiana: one in California, one in Indiana, and one in Florida. For the latest on the Red Cross response to the disasters in Louisiana and beyond, visit here.

50 TN Red Crossers Return from LA & CA Deployments, Many Still Deployed

Sarah Carman is one of 50 Tennessee Red Crossers who have returned from deployment from Louisiana and California. Sarah, who's from the East Tennessee chapter, was deployed to Louisiana to help with bulk distribution.

From last night's count, 93 Red Crossers from Tennessee are still helping in Louisiana, and we have more heading out there each day. Since the latest bout of flooding began in Louisiana, 2,900 Red Crossers across the nation have deployed there. Read some stories here of volunteers who have dropped everything to help folks in the Bayou State.

You can help our deployed volunteers help Louisiana flood victims by donating to the Red Cross. To donate, please visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text LAFLOODS to 90999 to donate $10.

More TN Red Crossers Return from Deployment; Donation Info

Forty Red Crossers from our state have returned from their deployments in Louisiana and California, and we still have more than 100 deployed. We salute all of our Red Cross volunteers and staff who have deployed or will be deploying soon! Here's a recent photo of Tennessee Red Cross staffer Sarah Basel hugging a Louisiana resident.

Thanks to all of you who have donated to the Red Cross to help those affected by the devastating floods in Louisiana. Your generosity is most appreciated! As we've mentioned recently, we've received some questions about what can be donated to the Red Cross to help Louisiana flood victims. Please visit here to learn more about what can be donated. 

30+ TN Red Crossers Return from LA & CA. 100+ Still Deployed

More than 30 Tennessee Red Crossers have returned from their Louisiana and California deployments. Meanwhile, more than 100 of our state's volunteers and staff are still deployed to help flood victims in Louisiana, and we have one volunteer still helping with wildfire relief efforts in California.

One of the Tennessee Red Crossers who's just deployed to Louisiana, John Williams from the Mid-West Tennessee chapter, is a disaster spiritual care volunteer. Learn more about how Red Cross disaster spiritual care volunteers are assisting those affected by the devastating Louisiana floods:rdcrss.org/2ccfy3r.

You can help us help others by donating to the Red Cross. To donate, please visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text LAFLOODS to 90999 to donate $10.

120 Tennessee Red Crossers Deployed to Louisiana

Tennessee now has 120 Red Crossers deployed to help those affected by the Louisiana floods, like Destiny and Michael, who are assembling a broom from a Red Cross cleanup kit.

We can deliver these cleanup kits to folks in disasters thanks to monetary donations from caring individuals. To help us provide more cleanup kits and supplies to Louisiana flood victims, please consider donating to the Red Cross by visiting redcross.org/donate, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or texting LAFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Photo Credit: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

100+ TN Red Crossers Now Helping in LA

East Tennessee Red Cross volunteer Sarah Carman is among the 100-plus Tennessee Red Crossers assisting with flood relief efforts in Louisiana. She's pictured here giving a cleanup supplies and water to Louisiana resident Kathy Taylor on Friday.

As of last night, our state has officially sent 102 Red Cross volunteers and staff to the Bayou State. And as we've mentioned recently, eight Tennesseans have also deployed to help wildfire relief efforts in California. To help us help folks in disasters like these, please donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or texting LAFLOODS to 90999 to donate $10.

Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

Tennessee Volunteer Shares Story from Louisiana Shelter

The following story and photos are from Scott Toncray, one of 65 volunteers from Tennessee currently deployed in Louisiana.  Scott is deployed as a Public Affairs volunteer, taking photos and writing stories about the Red Cross services being providing.

I spent much of today with the family in these photos in a shelter in Livingston Parish. Their neighbor knocked on the door and told them to leave, to get out, "JUST GO". The water was rising.

They grabbed a few things and waded through waist-deep water to escape. Keith and Alicia Littlejohn, the parents of these three beautiful children, survived, but lost everything. Before our interview, Alicia broke down a little and asked me, "How could the man who saved our lives not save his own?" They learned on the news that the neighbor who had knocked on their door and told them to evacuate, had drowned. At that moment I broke down, and I decided to stick around, because sometimes listening and sharing a shoulder to cry on is the best you can do.

Later, I took more photos, took turns with Liberty (their daughter) who took photos of us, until the CEO of the American Red Cross, Gail McGovern, arrived and met the Littlejohns. Shortly after, I was able to introduce them to a stately looking gentleman when Alicia said, "You look familiar," and he replied, "I'm your U.S. Senator and I am going to make sure you get the help you need." She broke a little. So did I. The Red Cross CEO said the same thing. “So will I. We are all going to work together to make sure families like this one get the help they need.”

Submitted August 17, 2016

Needs of People in Louisiana Remain Great; Red Cross Still Sheltering 7,000+, Serving Thousands of Meals

Courtney Robinson (center) is nearly certain that her home is destroyed because of the record flooding in Louisiana. She is staying at a Red Cross shelter with her five children and husband who fled the flood waters with some food and water and a change of clothes for the family. She shared their story with Red Cross relief worker Elizabeth Stander, and Rachel Ambeau, who is also displaced and staying at the Red Cross shelter, in Gonzales, Louisiana. Red Cross Photo by Marko Kokic

Louisiana hit by 6.9 trillion gallons of rain – enough to fill 10.4 million Olympic pools

The American Red Cross continues to help thousands of people impacted by the flooding in Louisiana where the situation remains dire. More than 7,000 people remained in Red Cross and community shelters Tuesday night and thousands more are without power in hot, humid conditions.

The Red Cross and its partners have served almost 100,000 meals and snacks since the onset of the flooding. The Red Cross has also mobilized over 60 disaster response vehicles, nearly 40,000 ready-to-eat meals, and dozens of trailers filled with shelter and kitchen supplies to bolster relief efforts.

So far, 65 volunteers from Tennessee have deployed, with more on their way.

 “Thousands of people in Louisiana have lost everything they own and need our help now,” said Brad Kieserman, vice president, Disaster Services Operations and Logistics for the Red Cross. “This disaster is the worst to hit the United States since Superstorm Sandy and we anticipate it will cost at least $30 million, a number which may grow as we learn more about the scope and magnitude of the devastation. Please consider making a financial donation to the Red Cross today to support the people of Louisiana.”

HOW TO HELP People can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word LAFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recovery from these disasters.

One resident escaping the floodwaters in a Red Cross shelter in Gonzalez, LA, is 81-year-old Doreen Ulm, who survived air raids in London during World War II and because of the floodwaters is at a shelter for the first time since the war. Courtney Robinson, her husband and five children are almost sure their home is destroyed and are also taking refuge from the flooding in a Red Cross shelter. They fled their home with only some food and water and a change of clothes for the family. These are just two of the thousands of people impacted by this devastating flooding.

RELIEF EFFORT Several hundred Red Crossers are on the ground in Louisiana now, and by Friday there will be more than 1,000 workers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In addition, hundreds more local volunteers are continuing to support relief efforts.

These Red Cross workers and disaster partners such as Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, the NAACP, Islamic Relief USA, Church of the Brethren Children’s Disaster Services, Save the Children, AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, AFL-CIO, Verizon, Duracell, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Baton Route YMCA and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are working together to help people impacted by the flooding.

Doreen Ulm, 81, survived air raids in London during World War II, and now because of the flooding in Louisiana, she’s at a shelter for the first time since the war. She shared her story with Red Cross relief worker Lynette Nyman, at the Red Cross shelter in Gonzales, Louisiana. Red Cross Photo by Marko Kokic

FINDING LOVED ONES Residents of the affected areas can connect with their loved ones by using the “I’m Safe” button on the Red Cross Emergency App which is free and can be found in the app store for someone’s mobile device by searching for “American Red Cross” or by going to redcross.org/apps.

People can also visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell to register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website, a secure and private way that friends and family connect. The site also allows people to update their status on Facebook and Twitter.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER To become a Red Cross volunteer, visit redcross.org today to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to submit a volunteer application.

Southeast Tennessee Volunteer of the Month, Amy Dickerson - July 2016

Congratulations to Amy Dickerson, the July 2016 Volunteer of the Month for the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee. Amy Dickerson is originally from Meridian, Mississippi and now resides in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

On July 16, 2015, many people were heavily affected by the shooting that took place in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Amy was moved to volunteer. Since then, she has been a consistent contributor to the American Red Cross and is fully engaged in providing assistance in any way possible. With her background in nursing, she has been a great addition to the American Red Cross. She helps by assisting new nurses in the proper training techniques and she does a great job. She has held the position of Health Services Nurse and was recently promoted as the Chapter Lead of Disaster Health Services.

Amy appreciates the mission of American Red Cross and what it stands for. She genuinely cares about the needs of others and her passion for people is evident in her daily interactions. Amy is not only compassionate and caring, but she also portrays phenomenal leadership skills. She is a well-rounded contributor and a hard-worker at every task that comes in her direction. She is highly organized, very punctual, and always providing positive feedback and harmony to situations at hand. She is thoughtful and includes her input and insight and is always eager and willing to help with whatever is needed at the time.

Jamie Lewis, Disaster Program Manager of American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee Chapter, said, “I think very highly of Amy! Sometimes you have exceptional leaders and sometimes you have exceptional people. Amy has both of these unique features and that is a very rare thing to find! She is a compassionate leader.”

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

The Dog Days of Summer

With summer in full swing, I wanted to remind everyone of how important it is to stay safe during the summer season.  High temperatures, humidity, and hot indoor environments can quickly cause heat-related emergencies.  Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The Red Cross has some simple steps to help beat the heat:

• Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles. The temperature inside can reach a dangerous level within a few minutes.
• Slow down, take frequent breaks, and drink more water than usual – even if you’re not thirsty.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• If working outdoors, take frequent breaks and use the buddy system.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone, or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• If possible, bring animals inside. If not, frequently check to ensure they are comfortable and have water and a shady place to rest.

Red Cross also offers mobile apps to help keep you and your family safe. The free Red Cross Emergency App provides instant access to expert heat safety tips. Users also have the option of receiving alerts for excessive heat watches, warnings and heat advisories. The Red Cross Pet First Aid App has steps pet owners should take to help keep their furry friends safe during hot weather. People can find the apps in their app store by searching for American Red Cross and at redcross.org/apps.

This summer also brings increased risk of summer drownings.  Make sure your loved ones can pass the critical “water competency” test.

The five critical water safety skills, also known as “water competency,” must be performed in this order:

• Step or jump into the water over your head.
• Return to the surface and float or tread water for one minute.
• Turn around in a full circle and find an exit.
• Swim 25 yards to the exit.
• Exit from the water. If in a pool, be able to exit without using the ladder.

If you are in a public area, keep an eye out for people who may need your help!  Remember to take a CPR, first aid, and AED Class to make sure you are prepared in case you are needed in case of an emergency!  On behalf of the Tennessee River Chapter of the American Red Cross….Have a safe and happy summer!!

Letter from Southeast Tennessee Executive Director, Julia Wright - August 2016

It is my great pleasure to announce the American Red Cross Heroes Luncheon will be held at the Chattanoogan Hotel on Wednesday, October 19 at 11:30 a.m. We are thrilled to share that Randy Boyd, Tennessee Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, will be joining us as keynote speaker.

The ninth annual American Red Cross Heroes Luncheon is a recognition event that raises awareness for the selfless service of men and women in our community who carry out the mission of the Red Cross every day. As leadership volunteers, we've seen firsthand the incredible impact this event has had on our Southeast Tennessee Community.

This Heroes Luncheon is also an opportunity for you, as a local business and community leader, to directly support the Red Cross services and programs, which provide humanitarian and emergency aid to our community when disaster strikes.

To become a sponsor or purchase a table or tickets to the 2016 Heroes Luncheon, visit redcross.org/realheroes.

Coming Soon - Volunteer of the Month - Northeast Tennessee

Coming Soon!

An opportunity for our volunteers to salute their co-workers is coming this month.  We will be recognizing your Volunteer of the Month selection.

Each month on the 15th, all volunteers will receive an email asking for nominees for Volunteer of the Month.  The deadline for nominations will be the 22nd of the month.  The nominees will be announced by email on the 25th of the month and votes will be accepted until the 30th.  The Volunteer of the Month will be recognized in the newsletter and at the monthly all-volunteer meeting.

Watch your email for details about how to nominate your fellow volunteers and then remember to vote!

Letter from East Tennessee Executive Director, Michelle Hankes - August 2016

It's August and that means back to school for most of kids.  If you're a parent, perhaps you're breathing a sigh of relief.  If you aren't a parent, perhaps you're frustrated with the traffic changes as parents drop off children and yellow buses take to the roads.

One of the main focuses that schools now have is community service.  Many older students (in high school and college) are mandating volunteer hours.  If you have a child (or know someone who does), I strongly suggest you think about those volunteer hours now . . . and not the day before they are due!

A perfect opportunity for student volunteers is to participate in weekend Home Fire Campaigns that are scheduled throughout the year, particularly in the fall.  Red Cross volunteers partner with local fire departments to install smoke alarms and work with families to create disaster plans.  Towns and neighborhoods all over the state are participating.  Contact your local Red Cross office to get schedules and details.  In East Tennessee, you can email Kendra.Taylor@redcross.org.

Looking forward to saving lives with you!

Michelle Hankes

Letter from Mid-West Tennessee Executive Director, David Hicks - August 2016

Hello Mid-West Tennessee chapter volunteers! My name is David Hicks and I’m now serving as the Executive Director of your local chapter alongside Heather Carbajal (our Disaster Program Manager). I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many of you already and am looking forward to spending time with those of you I have not yet met. Please join me for one of the upcoming Monthly Volunteer meetings. I look forward to seeing you there!

It's August and that means back to school for most kids. One of the main focuses that schools now have is community service.  Many older students (high school and college) are mandating volunteer hours.  If you have a child (or know someone who does), I strongly suggest you think about those volunteer hours now . . . and not the day before they are due!

A perfect opportunity for student volunteers is to participate in weekend Home Fire Campaigns that are scheduled throughout the year, particularly in the fall. Also, our Disaster Program Manager- Heather- and our Red Cross volunteers partner with local fire departments to install smoke alarms and work with families to create disaster plans.  Towns and neighborhoods all over the state are participating.  Heather can always use the additional help! Contact your local Red Cross office to get schedules and details.  In Mid- West Tennessee, that's Heather.Barnescarbaj@redcross.org.

I look forward to seeing you in the community. Let’s partner together to help save lives!

Angela Morris Serves New Role with Northeast Tennessee Red Cross

Angela Morris

Volunteers are the heart of the American Red Cross.  They make the delivery of our mission to the communities we serve possible.  Therefore, it only makes sense that we increase our commitment to volunteerism by realigning some employee responsibilities in order to increase our focus on volunteer services.

Angela Morris will be serving as our Volunteer Services Specialist.  After nine years as Community Services Specialist, Angela is a familiar face around the chapter.  She has managed a Social Services program that we administered for the Greater Kingsport United Way as well as coordinating our Community Education program.  In her new role, Angela will focus on the core services of the Red Cross mission which means she will now fill the critical gap in Volunteer Services.

Leading our recruitment efforts, facilitating new volunteer intake, coordinating recognition of volunteers, and overseeing records will be the core of Angela’s responsibilities.  She will work closely with all of us to ensure that we maintain the quality volunteer workforce that is needed to serve our community.

Stop in and take a minute to talk with Angela about her new role.  Or if you prefer, she loves music, movies, books and animals, all of which lend themselves to interesting conversations!

Letter from Northeast Tennessee Executive Director, Glenda Bobalik - August 2016

On Saturday, July 30, despite heat, humidity and even a little rain, Red Cross volunteers were at the VA in Johnson City to support the 50th Anniversary Salute to Vietnam Veterans.  Red Cross gave out bottled water to participants and attendees, provided coffee and doughnuts to get the morning started right, and participated in the parade.  The Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) was driven in the parade by two of our own Vietnam Veterans, Jim Brice (US Army Retired) and John Barraclough (US Air Force Retired).

Our organization’s long history of service to the active duty military personnel, their families, and veterans continues today. Every day, the American Red Cross provides 24/7 global emergency communication services and support in military and veteran health care facilities across the country and around the world.

In Northeast Tennessee, volunteers work at the VA Medical Center in Johnson City providing support to our veterans.  Volunteers also support community activities to honor and serve those who served our country.  Events like the parade to honor Vietnam Veterans are a sample of the many support activities undertaken by these dedicated volunteers led by Pat Barraclough and Ken Sheppard.

Last year, 346 families and military personnel in Northeast Tennessee accessed emergency communication services through the Red Cross.  Providing these services allows military personnel serving around the world to remain connected to their families especially during times of emergency.

The following story is one example of the impact this service makes on the lives of our neighbors.

Jeff called the Red Cross number that he had carried in his billfold since his daughter joined the Army.  The caseworker who answered the phone helped him make the request for his daughter to come home from Germany where she was based.  Her mother was in intensive care at the hospital and the doctors had told him that when she left the hospital she would need care and assistance at home for at least 6 weeks.  Jeff was overwhelmed with the responsibility and at times wasn't even sure his wife would be going home.  The message was sent to his daughter’s unit following Red Cross verification of the situation with the doctor.  Jeff called our office stating, “Thank you so much.  My daughter is on her way home and I feel like a ton has been lifted off my shoulders.”   

Join me in taking time today to thank those in our lives who have or are serving our country.  And the next time you see one of our Service to Armed Forces (SAF) volunteers, take a minute to thank them as well.

Glenda

What Can You Donate to the Red Cross?

Thanks to all of you who have donated to the Red Cross to help those affected by disasters. Your generosity is most appreciated!

We've received some questions about whether individuals can donate items like clothing or household items to the Red Cross to go to disaster victims. Unfortunately, we cannot accept small individual donations of items for emergency relief purposes. Small items, such as collections of food, used clothing, and shoes, often must be cleaned, sorted, and repackaged, which impedes the valuable resources of money, time, and personnel that are needed for other aspects of our relief operation. The Red Cross, in partnership with other agencies, suggests that the best use for those types of donations is to support other agencies within the community.

While we cannot accept the donation of an individual item, you can support the Red Cross by making a monetary donation or supporting your community by donating these in-kind items to an organization that is equipped to put them to the best possible use. Monetary donations enable the Red Cross to purchase exactly what is needed for a disaster operation. To donate, visit redcross.org/, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

55 TN Red Crossers Deployed to LA, 1K Nationwide

As of last night, Tennessee now has 55 Red Crossers deployed to help with Louisiana flood relief efforts. Several Red Crossers are on standby, and they'll be deployed when positions open or when the time is right in the schedules. 

In total, more than 1,000 Red Crossers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are helping in Louisiana. Floodwaters still cover neighborhoods, more than 100 roads are closed, and thousands of people have no power. For more information on our response, volunteering, or finding loved ones, visit rdcrss.org/2b2jCyZ. And if you'd like to help, please donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or texting LAFLOODS to 90999. 

Birge Talks About TN Red Cross LA Flood Relief

Tennessee Red Cross Regional Disaster Office Mary Beth Birge talked with WVLT-TV in Knoxville about the growing number of Red Crossers from our state who are heading to Louisiana to assist people affected by the devastating floods. More Tennessee Red Crossers are heading to Louisiana this week, including Mary Beth, who's deploying tomorrow.

The flooding in Louisiana is likely the worst natural disaster since 2012’s Superstorm Sandy, and Red Crossers from across the country are there, helping to shelter and feed those affected. Help people affected by the Louisiana floods by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or texting the word LAFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from these disasters.

More TN Volunteers Deploy to Assist LA Flood Relief

Tennessee Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) drivers Al Hudson and Stewart Chapman talk with a Knoxville television reporter this afternoon before deploying to Louisiana to assist flood relief victims. Al is from the East Tennessee chapter and is on his first deployment. Stewart is from the Northeast Tennessee chapter and is on his 50th deployment.

As of this afternoon, the number of Tennessee Red Crossers deploying to Lousiana has increased to 11, and more will be deploying this week to join Red Crossers across the nation in the Bayou State. This is the second time this year that Red Crossers from our state have deployed to Louisiana, and this flood is much more severe. We salute all of our Red Crossers who have deployed or will be deploying soon to Louisiana!

LA Once Again Hit by Floods - How to Help

Devastating flooding has once again hit Louisiana. A state of emergency has been declared for the state.

These photos were taken by Mid-South Tennessee volunteer Bob Wallace during the last bout of Lousiana floods in March, when several Tennessee Red Cross workers deployed there. East Tennessee volunteers Cathy and John Simes are shown here helping flood victims then.

So far during this bout of floods, more than 500 people have stayed overnight at 19 Red Cross and community-run shelters. Red Cross workers are providing meals, a safe place to sleep, and emotional support as neighbors continue to arrive. Three Tennessee Red Crossers have been assigned to Lousiana so far during this bout of floods, and there are more waiting for positions. Additionally, Tennessee has two Emergency Response Vehicle teams ready to go.

To help Lousiana flood victims, visit redcross.org/donate and click the box under the words "Use my donation to support." You can then choose to designate your donation to the Louisiana Floods. You can also donate by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting LAFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Red Cross, Partners Save 100+ Lives Installing Smoke Alarms

The American Red Cross and its partners have saved at least 102 lives as part of its nationwide Home Fire Campaign to reduce the number of home fire deaths and injuries. Since October 2014, the Red Cross has worked with fire departments and community groups across the country as part of a multi-year campaign to reduce the number of home fire deaths and injuries by 25 percent.

Tennessee Red Cross volunteers and staff have been working hard to make homes safer by distributing smoke alarms and fire safety information in neighborhoods around the state. Pictured here are East Tennessee volunteers Fritz and Mary Walker installing a smoke alarm in a home in January.

For the latest update on the Home Fire Campaign, click here.