Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Letter from Northeast Tennessee Executive Director, Glenda Bobalik - December 2017

1917 -2017:  100 Years of serving the people of Northeast Tennessee!

We have spent the year celebrating this remarkable accomplishment by our Red Cross team, past and present.  As we look back to last January, it is a good time to take a minute and reflect on all we have accomplished together.  So, here are some Memories from our Centennial year:

Families were assisted following 255 disaster incidents.  Disaster Action Team members provided emergency assistance for critical needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.  Most of all, they provided hope.
Successfully held our first Humanitarian of the Year Breakfast honoring Scott Niswonger with Dave Sanderson as our guest speaker.  We also saluted the volunteers and staff who made the 100 years of service possible through their dedication.
Responded to the record-breaking hurricane relief effort.  51 team members travelled to Texas, Louisiana, Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and California.
Operated a shelter for evacuees from Hurricane impacted areas for seven days in Johnson city.  Meals, cots, first aid and health support, were all provided along with information and hope.
Participated in Veteran’s Day events in Hamblen, Washington, and Johnson counties and distributed “Thank you for your Service” cards in all thirteen counties we serve.
Celebrated the volunteers who are the heart of our team with an afternoon on Bays Mountain.  People rode the barge on the reservoir, viewed the Planetarium show, visited the animals, walked the trails, and zipped through the trees!
Provided ongoing support to veterans at the VA Medical Center.  Daily, weekly and monthly activities to support veterans.
Installed smoke alarms in homes in Kingsport, Morristown, Bean Station, Thorn Hill, Rutledge, Blaine, Greene County, Johnson City, and Church Hill.  More to be added in December.
Presented preparedness information to youth in Greene, Washington, Claiborne, and Hawkins,  Counties through the Pillowcase Project
Supported the Fire Department’s “Fire Safety House” presentations in Cocke County
Welcomed 84 new volunteers to our Northeast Tennessee Red Cross team.

And so much more especially as we continue our work through December.  In fact, too much to mention here, however, we know the many accomplishments achieved.

It has indeed been a memorable year.  Thank you for all the support, time, talent, and inspiration that you have provided.

Happy Holidays!
Glenda

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