Northeast Tennessee Volunteer Spotlight, Deb Reynolds - April 2018

Deb Reynolds first began training as a Red Cross volunteer during her years as an Eastman employee, and completed her training as a disaster volunteer about 2 years ago when she retired.  Deb travels out west often to visit family, but when she’s in town, she works at least 4 hours a week in the Red Cross office.

In her volunteer role with the Red Cross, Deb serves as a receptionist and does back office jobs enabling staff members to complete other tasks.  She often does computer entry, makes phone calls or completes other tasks needed that day.  The staff count on Deb and say her presence allows them to complete more in their work day.

Deb has also completed training to serve in several disaster roles.  She can do damage assessment, drive the Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV), and provide casework for individuals affected by disaster. She recently served as one of two Red Cross volunteers on assignment providing support to first responders responding to a fire call at a local business.  While on deployment responding to large-scale disasters, she has driven the ERV and conducted Damage Assessment. 

Deb says she has had enough training to discover what she does not want to do as well as what she enjoys.  Logistics is too much like her job in the past, so she chooses others.  One job she really enjoys and that is critical to the 24 hour a day disaster response is serving as the dispatch worker when the office is closed.  She answers the phone and is able to dispatch volunteers to the disaster.  When she began this work she worked one week a month.  Since more volunteers have accepted this role, she now works one week out of 6 weeks. 

When asked what she would tell someone who was considering volunteering with the Red Cross, Deb had two comments.  First, she enjoys helping people when they have an immediate verified need for help…we provide them with basic needs and get the folks started on the road to recovery.  We know the need is there.   Secondly, Deb would encourage people to volunteer with the Red Cross because of the variety of positions.  There are so many positions that almost anyone can find something that fits their skills and interests. 

Join Deb and many other Red Cross volunteers across the counties in Northeast TN.  For more information contact Angela Morris at 423-765-4218 or email at angela.morris@redcross.org