Northeast Tennessee Volunteer Spotlight, Steven and Kaden Cox - February 2018

Have you ever thought about volunteering with family members?  While different things motivated Steven and Kaden Cox to become Red Cross volunteers they have continued to volunteer for many of the same reasons for the past 4 years.  Steven in “real life” works for State of Franklin Health Care Associates in Washington County. In his job, he gathers data and then develops reports providing service delivery information to the medical professionals. These reports enable them to provide better care for their patients.  When asked how he first came to volunteer for the Red Cross, Steven says he just walked in the door to find out what he could do to give back to the community.  Kaden, first a student at Science Hill and now at Northeast State, got involved initially with the Red Cross because he needed community service hours for school.

Once the entire Cox family, Steven, his wife and their 5 children, volunteered together.  They helped complete the Chapter inventory – even the young children helped with counting things like tubes of toothpaste!

Primarily Steven and Kaden volunteer in Disaster Services for the Northeast TN Chapter.  Steven primarily works as a DAT (Disaster Action Team) volunteer in Washington County. He assists families who have lost their home to a fire or other disaster.  Volunteering on call primarily evenings, nights or weekends - the schedule fits well with his full time day job.  Kaden volunteers to install fire alarms in homes and educate individuals about fire safety. Kaden also assists his father providing assistance to families when needed as the second Red Cross volunteer.

Steven submitted an entry in a statewide contest to design the Tennessee regional pin for use across the state.  His design won and is now worn by Tennessee volunteers from Memphis to Mountain City!

What does Steven think is great about volunteering for the Red Cross?  First, Steven says it is a great way to meet really good people.  He says there are three additional reasons he continues with his volunteer work.  He says in the world today often there is so much emphasis on self that he feels it is very important to experience “doing for others”.  By helping others you have a sense of purpose. In addition to knowing you have helped others, you gain a personal feeling of accomplishment.  His third reason for volunteering is that many hands make light work – the more people volunteering the easier the job is for the staff and volunteers at the Red Cross.

If you are interested in personally volunteering for the Red Cross or want to discuss family volunteering contact Angela Morris by calling 423-765-4218  or email at angela.morris@redcross.org