Northeast Tennessee Volunteer Spotlight: Don Davis - July 2018

After 32 years working for the Eastman Chemical Company, Don Davis decided to retire and move to volunteerism at the American Red Cross. He has spent nearly 20 years bringing hope and comfort to individuals and families affected by disaster. Don says his Red Cross experiences over the years have been very enjoyable. When asked what he has liked best, he said, “I have enjoyed helping people in need – but helping in a controlled way where I can see results. By working along with others as part of a team and always working towards a goal.”

Don says he has deployed on more than 40 Disaster Relief Operations all over the country, usually working in Damage Assessment or Mass Feeding. He has experience in Public Affairs and Sheltering as well, but prefers the first two assignments. He says he saw the worst destruction in Katrina and the most wonderful people in the West Virginia Floods. When asked about any experiences that stood out in his mind, he related to two:

·         A family he met doing mass feeding while deployed to Hurricane Frances in Florida.  A mother, father, and two teens were in significant need. The father recently laid off from a long-term job experienced a detached retina and with no insurance was in a difficult position – medically and financially.  The Red Cross could provide immediate financial support; but were not a long-term plan for this family.  Don was able to match the family with a local church that found employment for the mother and both teens. The father found a program to provide the surgery he needed, and the family was on the road to recovery. 

·         When doing mass feeding in Nashville following a tornado several years ago, he worked with local volunteers from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In conversation with these volunteers, he learned of a weekly program where children get to experiment with various musical instruments. He discovered they did not have any dulcimers and found a way to help outside the Red Cross.  One of Don’s hobbies is making dulcimers – so he made them two, and the instruments are still in use at the museum today!

Locally, Don has taken the Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) to schools and has spoken with children about disaster and emergency preparedness. He does many “odd jobs” when needed, and helps with various fundraising and chapter programs. In recent years, Don has been very involved with the Home Fire Campaign, currently serving as the coordinator. The Chapter goal for this year was to install 1,000 alarms in our counties.  Remarkably, the chapter has installed double the goal and has installed 2,200 alarms. 

In addition to his work with the Red Cross, Don also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and the YMCA. After so many years of sharing his talent with the community, he has decided it is time to retire from his volunteer jobs and focus on more personal pursuits such as enjoying his grandchildren!

When asked what advice he would give to a new Red Cross volunteer, Don responded – “I would advise any new volunteer to look at and experiment with several volunteer positions. Then pick the one you really enjoy and give it 100%.”   

At the Annual Meeting on June 26^th, Don was presented the Golden Smoke Alarm Award and the Clara Barton Coin for all his contributions throughout his volunteer career. Congratulations Don, for a job well done!  You will be greatly missed by the Northeast Tennessee family!