Letter from East Tennessee Executive Director, Sharon Hudson - November 2017

The American Red Cross is in the community every day, whether responding to a house fire, teaching lifesaving CPR and first aid, or offering support to a military member and their family.  Thank you for your time, talent, and treasure.  You make it possible for Red Cross to provide these services to the East Tennessee community.  As we near the end of this calendar year, 2017 has proven to be one of the most devastating years for disasters in over a decade. People have experienced the loss of homes, belongings, pets, jobs and most devastating, the lives of those close to them.

November is a time of reflection. It was this time last year, November 28th, that the wildfires forced the evacuation of thousands of people from the Great Smoky Mountains.  This destruction was devastating and the community is still rebuilding.  Not one of us is immune from disaster, no matter where we live.

This is a time to find our capacity for giving and turn compassion into action, regardless of when or where. It is poignantly heart-filling to see all people come together for each other, even when many who are assisting others are experiencing the effects of the same catastrophe.

This is the definition of Thanksgiving. It is the swell of humanity at it's very finest. We are so thankful to know and to have met those who shine in the darkest hour in this past year. We are especially thankful for each volunteer who sacrificed their time away from their family to carry out our mission.  Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sharon Hudson