Letter from Tennessee River Executive Director, Katy Hagstrom - December 2018

As I reflect on 2018, there are many Tennessee River Chapter accomplishments that come to mind, as well as milestones to look forward to in 2019.

Since January 01, 2018 we have supported:

131 Disaster operations
179 Families assisted through Disaster Cycle Services
1,391 Smoke alarms Installed
3,007 Individuals taught through Training Services
2,117 Services provided through Services to the Armed forces
371 Total Volunteers

*Numbers reflect service delivery as of October 31, 2018

In addition, we look forward to hosting our second annual Sound the Alarm, Save a Life Campaign this coming Spring.

Thank you for your unwavering and continued support.

Happy Holidays!

Letter from Mid-West Tennessee Executive Director, David Hicks - December 2018

Happy Holidays, Mid-West Tennessee volunteers!! As we come up on the end of 2018 (and the anticipation of what 2019 holds) I hope that each of you take a moment to assess just how meaningful and accomplished 2018 was for our chapter and circle of volunteers! Many of you not only performed and responded to disasters on a high level here locally- you also made a significant contribution on your deployments to other states and communities.

So, how can we possibly top the high level of accomplishments and contributions in the year to come?  The key is in our recruitment of new volunteers across our 14 county coverage area. We must recruit more “hands and feet” to share the workload in the months to come! If we do, I honestly believe our chapter will achieve the greatest heights of performance we’ve known in the last 5-10 years (if not ever)!

So, how do we go about doing this? It starts with each of you.  I encourage you to make recruiting new volunteers for our chapter a priority in your day to day life. Consider family members, co- workers, and close friends all as potential members of our Red Cross family of volunteers in 2019. January is going to be a month of emphasis for us in the area of volunteer recruiting. Let’s all commit to do our part over the next few weeks to take strong initiative in our search for new additions to our chapter. I want to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with each of you in the months to come as we continue to serve our chapter communities through Red Cross- but wouldn’t it be great to have to make room for even more volunteers on our chapter teams!?  So….. who’s with me on this?! Now go forth and RECRUIT!!

Letter from Southeast Tennessee Executive Director, Julia Wright - December 2018

2018 has truly been a monumental page in the American Red Cross history book. As the Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee takes its collective breath to reflect on the accomplishments through the work of its volunteers, we close on a year in the happiness of renewal, lives changed and lives saved, while we are sorrowed by lives torn and lives lost.

April brought much happiness in the Military Kids Serve Too event, with dozens of military families in attendance.  We are so blessed to have a great partnership with Children’s Creative Discovery Museum to support this important program. In addition, our Service to Armed Forces program provided over 940 services to military members and their families during a time of crisis.  You are our heroes, supporting America’s heroes.

In June, we celebrated 101 years of service in Southeast Tennessee by bringing on new board members and recognizing our existing strong board leadership that invests so much in our organization.

Moving into August, we saw a major success in our chapter with our second fundraising event thanks to the transmission employees who work diligently to make the Transmission Employee Charity Golf Tournament an enormous success.

September and October brought in another intense disaster season with hurricanes Florence and Michael, along with the deadly and devastating wildfires in California.  We deployed 13 volunteers to join an additional 245 volunteers from across Tennessee to help our neighbors in North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and California. Over the course of 2018, The Southeast Chapter has responded to over 261 home and apartment fires. We thank our dedicated response team for being there when help is needed, as you give from the heart.

In November, we welcomed our dynamic keynote speaker James Gagliano at our 2018 Heroes Luncheon to inspire the over 290 people in attendance.  At this year’s event, we recognized some remarkable individuals who embody the spirit of the American Red Cross.  This success can be contributed to our dedicated philanthropy committee, board members, volunteers and sponsors who gave so much time, talent and treasure to bring this event to life.  A special thank you to CHI Memorial for once again being our title sponsor and the many other sponsors that make this event every year.  Thank you for generous support.

As we close out 2018, we have one more opportunity to help save lives and impact those around us.  Please join me on Monday, December 24th (Christmas Eve) by signing up for our inaugural American Red Cross blood drive to be held at 4115 South Access Road, Chattanooga, TN 37406.  To register visit redcrossblood.org and don’t forget to download the free American Red Cross blood app on your phone or tablet.  Giving the gift of life, is a beautiful thing.

Letter from Heart of Tennessee Executive Director, Kathy Ferrell - December 2018

Heart of Tennessee Volunteers:

“We are not the sum of our possessions.”  President George H. W. Bush

During this Holiday Season, this quote resonated with me.  No, we definitely are not the sum of our possessions, and you collectively demonstrate that every day.  You so generously share your most precious asset with us; your time.  You share your time to respond to serve our neighbors impacted by a disaster.  You staff our front desk, making every person that enters our building feel engaged and comfortable.  You help maintain our fleet.  You paint our facility (and it looks great!!).  You assist us with events and record keeping.  You walk in the front door and ask what you can do today to help the staff.  I hope you know that we could not move our Mission forward without each of you and the time you invest in this chapter.

Wishing each of you peace and time with those you love this holiday season.

With gratitude,
Kathy Ferrell
Executive Director, Heart of Tennessee Chapter

Letter from East Tennessee Executive Director, Sharon Hudson - December 2018

As this calendar year ends, I want to thank you for your time, talent and treasure. In East Tennessee, we are blessed with some of the best volunteers in the country. Many of our volunteers have been deployed on various deployments assisting with Hurricane Florence, Hurricane Michael, and the Wildfires in California. I am incredibly thankful for those volunteers that work on the Disaster Action Team and assist families that experience a home fire. For all of you who have deployed physically and virtually, I am grateful!

I would also like to give a special thank you to our front desk volunteers, the fleet and facilities committee, and the many volunteers that work in the office to help carry out our mission. Ninety percent of our workforce are volunteers, and we all play an important role. I am very proud and honored to represent the Red Cross East Tennessee Chapter. Together, we are making a lasting difference for people in our chapter, communities down the street, across the county and around the world.

Happy Holidays,
Sharon Hudson

Northeast Tennessee Upcoming Dates - December 2018

VOLUNTEER MEETINGS & TRAININGS
All Volunteer Meeting
DATES:  01/03/2019; 02/07/2019; 03/07/2019; 04/02/2019; 05/02/2019
TIME:  12:00 PM-1:30 PM
LOCATION:  Red Cross NETN Office | 660 Eastern Star Road, Kingsport, TN 37663
INFORMATION:  Formal invitation to all volunteers will be distributed. Please note that the meeting for January has changed to 12:00 PM.

“Donut Forget”
DATES:  03/08/2019; 06/14/2019
TIME:  8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
LOCATION:  Red Cross NETN Office | 660 Eastern Star Road, Kingsport, TN 37663
INFORMATION:  This will be an opportunity for volunteers to enjoy coffee and donuts while logging volunteer hours and catching up on any trainings.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Sound The Alarm, Save A Life Signature Event
DATE:  04/06/2019
TIME:  8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
LOCATION:  Washington County, TN
INFORMATION:  Volunteers needed for this event; installers and educators. Please email Kalen Collins (kalen.collins@redcross.org) if you are interested in volunteering.

NORTHEAST TN BLOOD DRIVES
12/26/2018 | 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Mountain City Community at Johnson City EMS Rescue
203 Vandilla Street, Mountain City, TN
*Please sign up to donate by visiting redcrossblood.org  

Northeast Tennessee Volunteer Opportunities - December 2018

Disaster Action Team (DAT) Volunteers
Volunteers needed to respond to single-family fires.

Clerical Volunteers
Volunteers needed to assist with administrative tasks; including staffing the front desk, answering phone calls, and assisting with other day to day tasks.

Service to Armed Forces (SAF) Volunteers
Volunteers need to represent the Red Cross at community events, deliver birthday and holiday cards, assist with other military events as needed.

Hero Care Network Regional Caseworker/Follow Up Volunteer
Volunteers needed to ensure military families’ needs are met when faced with an emergency.

*If you or someone you know is interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Kalen Collins for more information at kalen.collins@redcross.org.

Don’t forget to download the “Volunteer Connection” mobile application and log your volunteer hours! This app is both Android and iOS compatible.

Northeast Tennessee Volunteer Spotlight: Hurricane Florence Volunteers - December 2018

Red Cross volunteers with 30+ years of experience, others with a few years or only a few months of experience had one common goal – to ensure evacuees to East Tennessee from the coastal areas inundated with water and wind from Hurricane Florence had a safe place to stay. They also wanted to be prepared to shelter and care for individuals in the counties of Northeast Tennessee if Hurricane Florence brought flooding to the area. The Northeast Tennessee Chapter had a third goal hidden beneath the other two; passing on knowledge and experience to the newer responders.  

Jane Harris is one of the 30-year veteran disaster responders, who has not been significantly involved in the past several years. As she observed the “organized chaos” of this disaster response it was clear some things were the same; and yet, there were many new faces and improved ways of responding. The following were a few of her observations.

The chapter continues to have a strong disaster program with 206 disaster volunteers. Of this number, 43 worked locally in Florence responses, and 17 more were on call to work if needed in shelters, damage assessment, or mass feeding. There were twelve volunteers deployed to work outside our area. The chapter is always in a training mode; issuing 556 certificates for disaster training during the past year, and 89 certificates for disaster training during the Florence response.

“In order to have a winner, the team must have a feeling of unity; every player must put the team first-ahead of personal glory.” - Paul William "Bear" Bryant

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” - Henry Ford

Because all disaster responders participated in the same training – not only for individual positions but in the overall philosophy of the American Red Cross; they know they are part of a team much larger than their individual role and much larger than our local chapter. They understand and accept the mission of the organization. They also observe a feeling of teamwork and inclusiveness when they volunteer in any Red Cross role here in Northeast Tennessee.

When asked why she has continued to volunteer for the Red Cross both locally and around the country for 30+ years; Carolyn Doerfort says, “I can help people in need, but I also enjoy the people I work with. They share a sense of values that I treasure.” Carolyn worked as the lead for Health Services and Mental Health Services for our chapter and for the Tennessee response. She was a resource for nurses working around the clock in three shelters across East Tennessee. Her knowledge is valuable; but, she adds “New eyes looking at problems is wonderful. It is essential that we pass on the knowledge and responsibility to newer volunteers.” From travels around the country she feels the culture of inclusiveness here in Northeast Tennessee is exceptional and helps encourage new volunteers to participate.

Another 30+ year volunteer is Sid McLaughlin, who was the Mass Care Manager for this response. He has deployed on many disasters across the country for the Red Cross, but for health reasons sticks close to home now. He says it is essential for the chapter and the organization to recruit, train and mentor new leaders. He feels one of our local goals must be to train new leaders. Many volunteers want to deliver service, and it is more difficult to find people to provide the coordination function. Sid stated, “I observed many volunteers providing service and coordinating the mass care planning and execution. It was definitely a team at work!”

“Developing skills is as important as training. A larger effort is needed to create a skilled workforce with employment potential.”  - Pallam Raju

Many of the Northeast Tennessee volunteers want to develop their potential to respond both here and across the country in disasters.

Jeff and Wendy Moncada are an example of new volunteers. From New Tazewell, TN they had been working this disaster since the first day of the response. They began their training in November 2017, and have taken as much training as possible. They have responded to fire calls in Claiborne County; they have driven the ERV to Mountain City for a Memorial Day & Veteran’s Day events, and have volunteered for the Pillow Case Project. On this disaster, Jeff had learned the ropes in mass feeding from long time experts Jim Brice and Stewart Chapman. Wendy worked in logistics and supply. Jeff and Wendy deployed to Raleigh, NC as ERV drivers; they had taken their first national assignment, another great learning experience for them.

David Long, from Bluff City, has been a volunteer in Disaster Spiritual Care for two years. He had deployed three times and worked on local responses. He has been to Louisiana, Florida, and worked in response to the fires in Gatlinburg. He says working on local disasters gives volunteers great experience and allows them to learn jobs while going home to sleep at night! David stated that there are 22 spiritual care volunteers in Northeast Tennessee. During the Hurricane Florence response, some were working each day at the shelter and others were on call if shelters needed to be opened in the various counties. Observing interaction of the response team over this disaster, he had observed respect and caring among the volunteers managing this response.

Rachelle Burkert, Martha Farmer, and Teresa Rhoton have all had 4-5 years of Red Cross volunteer experience. Rachelle has deployed on ten assignments over four years; she has gained invaluable experience to share locally. Martha and Teresa took logistics training together several years ago, along with other courses. Martha has helped with completing shelter agreements and other disaster preparedness work, but “fell into” managing logistics during the Hurricane Florence response. With excellent guidance from experienced volunteers, Martha used knowledge from her classes and asked lots of questions. When Jane spoke with Martha, she was in the process of sharing her recent experience with Teresa, who assumed some of the responsibility. Teresa stated that she was learning much from her experiences in other Red Cross programs like SAF, Disaster Assessment and Procurement skills as she experienced working with Logistics.

Pat Castle has been a disaster volunteer for 13 years. She worked in Disaster Assessment for eight-nine years. Pat lead the Disaster Assessment planning and response for this disaster. She is also very interested in training more volunteers. During the Hurricane Florence disaster response, Pat instructed 15 individuals with the basic disaster assessment course and 18 individuals were trained to use the electronic RC Collect program. Users can now enter their assessment information directly to an online program by using a mobile application on cell phones. Pat said the process was put in place from years of experienced local volunteers and by the national Red Cross training; this has helped make Disaster Assessment work more efficient. She had volunteers on standby in each of our counties, which would have enabled response if flooding had occurred in our area. Pat said the hardest part of disaster assessment is keeping volunteers engaged when local events seldom occur.
It should be noted that the chapter has a new Executive Director, Kalen Collins, who experienced her first disaster on home turf. In response was experienced Disaster Program Manager, Dawn Day; Disaster Program Specialist, Larry Nelson; and Volunteer Engagement Specialist, Angela Morris. The staff was present on and off in the DOC, and were providing the support.

There were around 30 individuals who evacuated to East Tennessee from the Carolinas. They had a safe welcoming place to stay due to the care and response of local disaster workers. The Red Cross had planned a response to potential flooding in each Northeast Tennessee county. Mother Nature had other plans, and the flooding did not occur. But perhaps this was equally importantly, as a great training and learning experience was provided for this disaster team. Collaboration and teamwork between disaster volunteers and staff of varied experience levels was evident, as they all worked together in the name of the American Red Cross.

Letter from Northeast Tennessee Executive Director, Kalen Collins - December 2018

VOLUNTEER HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

The Northeast Tennessee Chapter celebrated the Holiday Season at the All-Volunteer Meeting on Tuesday, December 4th. Sherry Barnett, who is with Sullivan County Anti-Drug Coalition, was the guest speaker. Sherry not only shared her story of fighting her drug addiction, but also provided Narcan training and certification to those in attendance. Raffle prizes, good food and great people made this an extremely successful meeting! Thanks to everyone who participated!


   
SERVICE TO ARMED FORCES

At the All-Volunteer Meeting on December 4th we also celebrated a volunteer milestone! Four years ago, Pat Barraclough took on the role as the Northeast Tennessee Service to Armed Forces Lead. She has been active in her role, working with volunteers, supporting military and veteran events, making sure holiday cards are distributed to military and veteran groups, supporting our VA Medical Center program, and so much more. Pat has also done an outstanding job with managing the Hospital Outreach Program funds and managing the SAF budget. She has worked diligently with military, veterans and community partners. Pat will continue volunteering with our Disaster Action Team and Service to Armed Forces programs. We would once again like to thank Pat for her service as the SAF Lead. Greg White is now serving as the SAF Lead.

East Tennessee Volunteer Spotlight: Matti Moss - December 2018

Mattilyn "Matti" Moss is from Greenville, South Carolina and attends the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Matti is studying social work and plans to attend graduate school in South Carolina next year, enabling the pursuit of her dream to work with the under privileged. Matti was home schooled until her junior year in high school, at which time she joined the girls’ softball team. By the time she was a senior, she had played so well that she was offered a scholarship to play with the LADY VOLS as Pitcher!

Volunteering at the East Tennessee Chapter of the Red Cross was a no brainer since her mom had her volunteering at various charities in South Carolina when she was a child. She has volunteered here in Knoxville since June, and has worked in case management, as the receptionist and is now helping Sandy Leavell to update the reference guide.

We are pleased that a LADY VOL is with us and will be doing her “Field Placement” here in the spring.  We wish her success in the pursuit of her career!

Q & A with Matti Moss…
• What is your favorite word? Sunshine
• If you could try a profession that isn’t a current or past job, what would it be? Photography
• Other than East Tennessee, where would you like to live and why? Charleston, SC, the beach!
• What natural gift or talent do you wish you had? Singing
• Who is your favorite musician? Alicia Keys
• What historical figure would you most like to meet and why? Nelson Mandela, his wisdom and kindness
• What is your favorite color? Yellow
• What are you reading, what’s on your bedside table? We the Animals
• What do you love about volunteering at the Red Cross of East TN? The people! I love being the first face for disaster victims.  

Nashville Area Volunteer Spotlight: Denisha White - December 2018

Denisha White is the subject of our Volunteer Spotlight this month. In her work life, Denisha works for the Veterans Administration, but she also works as a volunteer for the Red Cross in various types of military and veteran-related activities as many as 40-60 hours a month (or more,) depending on what’s going on. She’s 40 years old and is a native Nashvillian. She graduated from Antioch High School, and she’s taken history and education courses at Volunteer State Community College. Denisha lives with Mya, her “very smart, mixed-breed dog.”

Denisha is instrumental in many Red Cross events and projects such as The Pillowcase Project, where 3rd-to-5th grade children are given a presentation about preparing for emergencies such as tornado or fire, and are given a pillowcase that they can decorate as a go-bag, along with a handbook for the parents. Typically, children want to take things like flashlights, radios, games and other toys, and their parents work with them to make sure the kits aren’t too heavy and have appropriate items in them.

Other projects Denisha’s involved with at the Red Cross are Veterans Affairs Volunteer Services, Military Entrance Processing Station, casework, Holiday Cards for Heroes (one of her favorites), Military Kids Serve Too (a ceremony unique to Nashville in which military children are recognized and praised for dealing with the inevitable stresses and strains of military families,)  and the annual Veterans Day Parade. She’s also involved in various aspects of training, and is responsible for five leads under her who work with the various projects.

Her advice to anyone who wants to be a Red Cross volunteer: Be flexible, and find things to do, even if not much is going on at the moment. And find something that speaks to your heart and have fun with it.

Denisha has been an energetic, dedicated volunteer with the Nashville Chapter since 2005, and we’re proud to feature her in our Volunteer Spotlight!

By Marvin Koch, Red Cross volunteer

Regional Executive Corner with Joel R. Sullivan - December 2018

Hello Nashville Area Volunteers!

The American Red Cross is asking everyone to support people in need this holiday season. You can Give Something that Means Something to bring comfort and hope to families in their darkest hours.

Every 8 minutes, someone affected by disaster is helped by donations to the Red Cross. This generous support helps provide shelter, food, relief supplies and other assistance during disasters.  As many of you know, the need for disaster relief is constant. No matter the size of the crisis, it can leave people suddenly homeless and struggling to rebuild their lives. This holiday season, please #GiveWithMeaning at redcross.org/gift to help people with necessities like emergency shelter, hot meals, blankets and emotional support.

• A gift of $250 can deliver hot meals for 25 people who need nourishment after a disaster.
• Your donation of $100 can provide a family of two with a full day’s worth of emergency shelter with meals, snacks, blankets, a cot and hygiene supplies.
• Help provide warmth with a gift of $50, which can provide blankets for 10 people.

Thank you for your gifts of time, talent and treasure to the American Red Cross!  I look forward to a successful 2019 for the Nashville Area Chapter.

Happy Holidays,
Joel

Red Cross Holiday Campaign: Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Loved Ones

Still need a gift for someone special? With only a few days left to find the perfect gift, the American Red Cross has many last-minute ideas in its 2018 Holiday Gift Catalog.

Please #GiveWithMeaning at redcross.org/gift to help people with necessities like emergency shelter, hot meals, blankets and other support.

• A gift of $250 can deliver a hot meal and snacks for 25 people who need nourishment after a disaster.
• Your donation of $100 can provide a family of two with a full day of emergency shelter, including meals, snacks, blankets, a cot and hygiene supplies.
• Help provide warmth with a gift of $50, which can provide blankets for 10 people.
• Your donation of $125 can help connect veterans and their families to critical community services such as food, housing, counseling and rehabilitation.
• Your gift of $100 can help provide lifesaving vaccinations for 100 children who face an increased risk of measles and rubella around the world.

Your gift is a tax-deductible donation to the American Red Cross. When you make your donation, you can use free holiday greeting cards with friends and family to share your gift in their honor. Visit redcross.org/gift to learn more and make a gift today.

About Our Corporate Holiday Supporters: 
During this holiday season, the American Red Cross is grateful for those corporate donors that generously contribute to our Holiday Giving Campaign. They include: AmazonSmile, Circle K and PayPal. Thanks to the generosity of these and other supporters, the Red Cross is able to bring help and hope to people across the country. To learn more about our corporate holiday supporters, visit https://www.redcross.org/donations/ways-to-donate/holiday-gifts/holiday-partners.html.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Tennessee Red Cross Volunteer's Adventure Teaching Safety Courses in Belize

East Tennessee Volunteer, Mary Franklin, has been crossing international boarders once again to teach American Red Cross Safety courses!  Her latest Red Cross adventure was in Belize City, Belize in October to train people in Lifeguarding basic skills and Instructor Skills. Randy Love, who works in Aquatics for the City of Knoxville Parks and Rec Program, went along with Mary.  These two Volunteer Instructor Trainers have combined their skills in the Knoxville area for over 10 years to train others to be Red Cross Instructors in Water Safety, Lifeguarding, and First Aid/CPR/AED.

This trip came about when the American Red Cross responded to a request from a YWCA employee in Belize who wanted help in developing a program to train lifeguards. The employee contacted the Belize Red Cross Instructor who routinely helped train their guards in CPR and First Aid. The Belize Red Cross contacted the American Field Service Representative for Central America, in Bogota, Columbia, who in turn contacted International Services with the Red Cross.  Mary and Randy worked with the only Red Cross trained Instructor Trainer in FA/CPR/AED while in Belize (and Mary actually knows the Educators who trained him). While the Belize Red Cross will not be certifying the new Lifeguard Instructors, the YWCA employees now have the basics to develop a training program. Up to this point in time, there were no lifeguard training programs in the country.  This training was funded through AHRMED, a Project Addressing Human Rights for More Equitable Development, funded by the European Union. Ponder that for a while: the European Union funding a Red Cross training program in Belize.

Mary travelled for the Red Cross to Myanmar last year.  And while Randy has done several mission trips to Central America countries, and this was his first Red Cross trip.

Together they trained employees from the YMCA, a police officer with Belize City, and members of the Belize Coast Guard. They were all trained in basic lifeguarding skills, First Aid, CPR, and AED skills, as well as Instructor skills needed for training others. The skills they taught in in Belize are the same skills taught for a lifeguarding basic course or Instructor Course here in the USA.  CPR is CPR, and swimming is swimming regardless of where you live!  And the nice thing about this trip was that everyone spoke English.

What is next for this duo?  Mary has another adventure to Vietnam in December for Training Services, and Randy has another mission trip coming up in December to Haiti. 

Nashville Area Volunteer Spotlight: Cathy and Jim Goodrich - November 2018

Cathy and Jim Goodrich are a power team couple. We caught up with Cathy while she was on deployment for Hurricane Michael, while Jim remained in Nashville to supervise the Disaster Action Team (DAT). The duo are co-leads for the Disaster Services Director. They also serve in the Disaster Services Technology setting up radio communications, and volunteering, for the Safe & Well program thanks to their extensive amateur radio experience, gaining them invaluable skills to help in times of disaster. The pair works like a well-oiled machine. When teaching the amateur radio certification classes for the Red Cross, Jim is the technical guy, and Cathy covers regulations. Thanks to Jim and Cathy three more people have recently been certified in amateur radio, giving three more pairs of hands in times of disaster.

Jim and Cathy are uniquely positioned in the Red Cross to work behind the scenes with Disaster Services Technology, and in front with Disaster Action Team. The radio team required some DAT training, which is how they came to be involved with this branch. After a year of service and dedication, both continue on with the Red Cross. For Jim it is the ability to help someone. For victims of a fire, it is possibly the lowest point of their life, many times losing everything. Jim says for someone who is the survivor of a fire they are in many cases at the lowest point of their life, and just to be able to give them a hand up is a good feeling. It means a lot to Jim to see the expression on their faces, the hug, and the thank you. For Cathy it is also the ability to help, coupled with the ability to learn.

Throughout their experiences they have advice to share with new volunteers. Don’t be afraid to try new things. If after being in a position you discover something different is preferred, it’s ok and the Team Leaders will guide their people to a position they thrive in. Make time in your life for helping our fellow man-kind. The Red Cross understands volunteers have a life, so they work with busy schedules. At some point everyone will need assistance in one way or another, so when possible, get involved in the community and help.

Jim and Cathy plan to stay with the Red Cross, responding to disasters, supporting the Safe & Well program, training people, and building the relationship between the Red Cross and the Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES). Thank you for you dedication and service to the Red Cross, Jim and Cathy!

Get to Know Jim and Cathy:
* Are you a coffee or tea person?
Jim: “Coffee – black & strong”
Cathy: “Coffee person. Black straight up.”

* Where is your favorite place to be?
Jim: “Quiet & quality time with family, and on a cruise.”
Cathy: “Nashville. If I have to narrow it down”

* Which music do you like?
Jim and Cathy: “Country without a doubt”

* Which books do you enjoy reading?
Jim: “Don’t read – busy enough!”
Cathy: “Mystery”

* What would surprise others about you?
Jim: “The level that we do emergency communications with the Red Cross would surprise people around them.”
Cathy: “I went on a horseback ride on a mountain. It was so scary. I thought I might fall off, and I’m afraid of heights!’

East Tennessee Volunteer Spotlight, Bushra Malaibari - October 2018

Originally from southeastern Michigan, Bushra Malaibari moved to Knoxville in August 2010 to pursue her PhD in Rhetoric at the University of Tennessee.  Since that achievement, she has been education director for the Boys and Girls Club of TN Valley. An active volunteer since 2016, Bushra is ready and willing to lend a hand. She worked the Red Cross tent during the eclipse, joined the first aid team for the 2017-18 UT football season, saved lives with the home fire campaign and helped repaint the East TN Chapter building. Currently, she’s training in fiscal review.  East TN is grateful for her positive ‘can do’ attitude and generosity of spirit. We wanted to share a little bit more about Bushra outside her volunteer role:

What is your favorite word?  Feels that the most important word in any language is "Thank You"

What sound do you love/hate?  Loves the sound of rain falling, dislikes the sound of babies crying

What profession would you like to have if not in your present position?  Would like to be an artist, free to create and be in your own world

Where would you like to live, other than east TN, and why?  Would love to live where she can use the other 3 languages she knows (besides English) - Arabic, French, and Portuguese; Brazil, France, or Switzerland

What natural gift or talent do you wish you had?  Cooking

Who is your favorite musician?  Presently listening to Tchaikovsky, Led Zeppelin, and Aretha Franklin

What historical figure would you like to meet, and why?  Would like to meet Aristotle and get his thoughts on today's social media and interactions via internet

What are you reading currently?  books on Data Management

What is your favorite color?  blue and black

What do you love about being a volunteer at the Red Cross?  Being surrounded by people with big hearts, who want to look out for others and help their fellow man.

East Tennessee Volunteer Spotlight, Dustin Newton - November 2018

This month, we welcome one of our newest volunteers, Dustin Newton, to the East Tennessee chapter.  Dustin was born in Knoxville, but took a curve to a North Georgia farm during his high school years.  He then preceded to graduate from Georgia Tech with a major in Computer Engineering and a minor in Math.  He attended Silicon Valley Technology in computer networking and later found himself in Oak Ridge selling real estate.

Dustin became a Red Cross volunteer in September 2017 and is currently the DAT Coordinator, works with RC View, and is on the administrative staff for FAST Team, as well as the Regional Information and Planning person for East Tennessee. 

Dustin has become an important peg in our cog of operations, and we are very pleased to have him around!  Below are a few questions we asked him, so that we could all get to know him a little better.

What is your favorite word?  Enthusiasm

What sound do you love? Birds Singing

What profession would you like to have, that you have not had?  A Doctor

Where would you like to live, other than East Tennessee?  Colorado, the mountains are wonderful!

What natural gift do you wish you had?  Art, the ability to create

Who is your favorite musician?  Dave Grisman, he plays Bluegrass with a mandolin

What historical figure would you most like to meet?  Leonardo di Vinci

What is your favorite color? Purple

What book is on your night table? “Success Through Positive Mental Attitudes” by Napoleon Hill

What do you love about volunteering with the Red Cross? Helping people in many ways, those who need it the most. 

Hurricane Michael: Red Cross Helps Thousands

Photo by Daniel Cima/American Red Cross

On October 10, Hurricane Michael made a Category 4 landfall as the third-strongest hurricane in U.S. history. It was also the strongest hurricane to hit the U.S. in 50 years. In total, the Red Cross and other organizations have provided more than 44,000 overnight stays in emergency shelters—the Red Cross has provided about 88 percent of these stays. More than 3,200 Red Cross disaster workers—nearly 90 percent volunteers—are on the ground and continue to support relief efforts across three states. Working with partners, the Red Cross has served more than 1.93 million meals and snacks. Volunteer mental health and health services professionals have provided some 34,700 contacts to provide support and care to evacuees. Disaster spiritual care responders provided more than 3,400 services to people impacted by Hurricane Michael in Florida and Georgia. We’ve distributed more than 270,200 relief items like clean up kits, shovels, bleach, garbage bags and much more to help more than 16,000 families with the massive clean-up effort.

‘Give Something That Means Something’ with American Red Cross on Giving Tuesday

During the holidays, bring comfort and hope to people in need

In a year when disasters upended the lives of thousands of people, the American Red Cross is asking everyone to Give Something that Means Something for families in need through its 2018 Holiday Giving Campaign.

“Every day, home fires and other everyday crises turn people’s lives upside down,” said Joel Sullivan, regional executive for the American Red Cross of Tennessee. “Families are counting on your support to remember them during this special time of year. On Giving Tuesday, please consider making a financial donation or a blood donation, or volunteering your time.”

GIVING TUESDAY Beginning on Giving Tuesday—November 27—please #GiveWithMeaning at redcross.org/gift to support people in need with a symbolic gift, which you can make in honor of the special people in your life:

• Help disaster victims. Your gift of $250 can deliver hot meals for 25 people who need nourishment after a disaster. A donation of $100 can provide a family of two with a full day’s worth of emergency shelter with meals, snacks, blankets, a cot and hygiene supplies. Help provide warmth with a gift of $50, which can provide blankets for 10 people.
• Help our veterans. A donation of $125 can help veterans transition back to civilian life by connecting them and their families to critical services such as food, housing, counseling and rehabilitation.
• Help internationally. Your gift of $100 can help provide lifesaving vaccinations for 100 children who face an increased risk of measles and rubella around the world.

In addition, you can also:

• Give the gift of life. Visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets.
• Volunteer to help others. To learn more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer, visit redcross.org.

GIVING HOPE EVERY DAY Every 8 minutes, someone affected by disaster is helped by donations to the Red Cross. The generosity of Red Cross donors helps provide people with necessities like shelter, food, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning and other assistance.

The need is constant—and this year was no different. In the Tennessee Region, the Red Cross responded to 2,156 disasters. Home fires—the nation’s most frequent disaster—account for the vast majority of our responses.

In addition to helping families recover from these events, we also help save lives by installing free smoke alarms and helping residents create escape plans through our Home Fire Campaign, which has reached more than 4,000 households people in the Tennessee Region since it began in 2014.

Because of generous support, in 2018, the Red Cross in the Tennessee Region also:

• Provided 14,505 services to military members, veterans and families.
• Collected more than 81,245 units of blood.
• Enrolled 53,498 people in lifesaving courses like first aid, CPR and AED.

California Wildfires – Red Cross Provides Help, Support to Evacuees

*Stats included in this article are as of November 16, 2018.

The American Red Cross is on the ground throughout the State of California, providing shelter, food and comfort for thousands of people forced to leave their homes due to the deadly wildfires burning in both the northern and southern parts of the state.

More than 780 Red Cross volunteers are providing help and support at evacuation centers to offer safe refuge for people impacted by these devastating fires. Overnight, more than 840 people sought refuge from the wildfires in 10 Red Cross and community evacuation centers across the state. People are welcome to come to shelters for help even if they don’t stay overnight.

Watch this video about the devastation in Paradise, California.

Working with partners, the Red Cross has served more than 40,200 meals and snacks. Volunteer mental health, health and spiritual care professionals have provided more than 9,500 contacts to provide support and care to evacuees. We’ve also distributed more than 14,400 relief items for people forced from their homes.

HOW YOU CAN HELP Entire communities and families have been left reeling from these deadly wildfires. Help people affected by the California wildfires by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS or texting the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters.

Northeast Tennessee Upcoming Events - November 2018

VOLUNTEER MEETINGS & TRAININGS

§  All Volunteer Meetings

o   DATES:  12/04/2018; 01/03/2019; 02/05/2019; 03/07/2019; 04/02/2019; 05/02/2019

o   TIME:  5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

o   LOCATION:  Red Corss NETN Office | 660 Eastern Star Road, Kingsport, TN 37663

o   INFORMATION:  Formal invitation to all volunteers will be distributed.

§  “Donut Forget”

o   DATES:  12/14/2018; 03/08/2019; 06/14/2019

o   TIME:  8:30 AM – 11:00 AM

o   LOCATION:  Red Corss NETN Office | 660 Eastern Star Road, Kingsport, TN 37663

o   INFORMATION:  This will be an opportunity for volunteers to enjoy coffee and donuts while logging volunteer hours and catching up on any trainings.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

§  Bloomingdale Christmas Parade

o   DATE: 12/08/2018

o   TIME:  9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

o   LOCATION:  Kingsport, TN

o   INFORMATION:  Volunteers needed for this event. Please email Kalen Collins (kalen.collins@redcross.org) if you are interested in volunteering.

§  Sound The Alarm, Save A Life (STASAL) Signature Event

o   DATE:  04/06/2019

o   TIME:  8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

o   LOCATION:  Washington County, TN

o   INFORMATION:  Volunteers needed for this event; installers and educators. Please email Kalen Collins (kalen.collins@redcross.org) if you are interested in volunteering.

NORTHEAST TN BLOOD DRIVES

§  12/06/2018 | 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM

o    Red Cross NETN Office | 660 Eastern Star Road, Kingsport, TN 37663

*Please sign up to donate by visiting redcrossblood.org 

Northeast Tennessee Volunteer Opportunities - November 2018

Disaster Action Team (DAT) Volunteers
o Volunteers needed to respond to single-family fires.

Clerical Volunteers
o Volunteers needed to assist with administrative tasks; including staffing the front desk, answering phone calls, and assisting with other day to day tasks.

Hero Care Network Regional Caseworker/Follow Up Volunteer
o Volunteers needed to ensure military families’ needs are met when faced with an emergency.

*If you or someone you know is interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Kalen Collins for more information (kalen.collins@redcross.org).

REMINDER
Don’t forget to download and log your volunteer hours through the “Volunteer Connection” mobile application. This app is both Android and iOS compatible.

Northeast Tennessee Volunteer Spotlight: Jo Willems - November 2018

A Texas loss was an East Tennessee gain 14 years ago when Jo Willems moved to Johnson City from El Paso, TX.  Jo, who worked for the University of Texas in El Paso, retired and moved to Johnson City to be near her daughter and grandchildren. In that 14 years, she has certainly made East Tennessee her home!  

Jo did not stay retired long. She found part-time work at ETSU in the Media and Communication Department. She maintains student records and interviews students to ensure they meet the requirements to graduate. Jo enjoys people and helping others. She says volunteering is for her a way of life – a hobby that allows her to help others.

The Red Cross is lucky that Jo was recruited to join their volunteer ranks in 2014.  She participated in an Emergency Preparedness Fair representing the Washington County SALT Council (Seniors And Law Enforcement Together) along with numerous other groups. One of the groups she learned about was the Red Cross, and due to the recruitment efforts of Larry Nelson and Angie Minor she was “hooked.” After training Jo became a Disaster Action Team (DAT) member responding to single family fire incidents. In this role, she provides immediate response and casework for a family after a disaster incident. She also recalls conducting damage assessment and distribution of clean up supplies after a tornado in Sullivan County. She says it is wonderful to be able to provide support to victims of disasters. Jo has also been involved with the Sound the Alarm Save a Life smoke alarm installation events.
  
Another aspect of volunteering that Jo participates in is canteening. Her first outing was a brush fire in Carter County delivering drinks and snacks to the volunteer fire fighters.  Early one Sunday morning several years ago, a fire broke out at a lawn and garden center on Roan Mountain. She accompanied Larry Nelson and Ken Sheppard to Roan Mountain to deliver food, coffee and water to the volunteer responders. The garden center was left devastated, and unfortunately, a gentleman residing in an apartment above the business lost his life.

Jo also enjoys representing the Red Cross at events for Veterans such as birthday parties and Memorial Day Activities at the VA. She says until she became a Red Cross volunteer she did not know about the emergency communication services Red Cross provides for the Military and their families. Jo says she enjoys representing the Red Cross at community events and sharing the good done by the organization. After only a short phone conversation with Jo, it is obvious she is a great ambassador for the Red Cross!

As is often the case with involved Red Cross volunteers - they volunteer with numerous other organizations. Jo participates in fundraising activities for the American Cancer Society and Alzheimer’s Tennessee. She is on the Johnson City Senior Center Advisory Council and the Advisory Council for the First Tennessee Agency on Aging and Disability. She is also a member of the Washington County Medical Reserve Corps.

When asked what she enjoys most about volunteering, Jo responded, “I love helping people. There is a great deal of joy and satisfaction in helping people during a time of crisis.” Jo also enjoys the friendships she has made working as a Red Cross volunteer. She says if you don’t enjoy the first volunteer position you try, there is always something else you can do within the Red Cross.

Letter from Northeast Tennessee Executive Director, Kalen Collins - November 2018

Northeast TN Volunteers Step up for 2018 Hurricane Responses

The American Red Cross Northeast Tennessee Chapter opened an evacuee shelter on September 13th for families fleeing from their homes as Hurricane Florence made landfall. Volunteers and staff assisted 28 evacuees and four dogs during this time. Along with opening an evacuee shelter, the Northeast Tennessee Chapter deployed a total of eleven volunteers and staff to respond to the disaster relief efforts in the Carolinas.

On October 10th, Hurricane Michael made landfall in the Florida Panhandle. Michael was extremely destructive, ripping apart thousands of homes and businesses in his path. The Northeast Tennessee team quickly stepped up to assist with response. Twenty-four volunteers and staff deployed to Georgia, Florida and Alabama to provide assistance with sheltering, reunification, feeding, elected and government officials, transportation, disaster assessment, health services, and much more.

Letter from Tennessee River Executive Director, Katy Hagstrom - November 2018

The 2018 Hurricane Season brought many opportunities for deployments to the Tennessee Region and the Tennessee River Chapter of the American Red Cross. On September 14, Hurricane Florence made landfall on the East Coast bringing significant flooding to several areas across the Carolina’s. On October 10, Hurricane Michael made landfall with 155 mph wind speeds on the Florida Panhandle and continued, causing substantial damage throughout Florida, Alabama, and Georgia.

The Tennessee River Chapter is proud to have deployed volunteers in many capacities of Preparedness, Response, and Recovery for both Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Michael. Our volunteers have served as Emergency Response Vehicle drivers, sheltering, feeding, Health Services, Casework, Distribution of Emergency Supplies, External Relations, Reunification, Disaster Services Technology, Disaster Assessment, Life Safety Asset Protection, and Transportation.

This Hurricane Season, the Tennessee River Chapter had 32 deployments and some volunteers who deployed multiple times. During their deployment, volunteers committed two or more weeks serving the mission of the American Red Cross and supporting communities devastated by Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Michael. We would like to personally thank each of these volunteers for their dedicated time, service, and hard work while away.

From the bottom of our hearts thank you to the following volunteers who deployed this Hurricane season:

Angela McLaughlin: ERV Driver, NC
Joey Monroe: ERV Driver, NC, LSAP, FL
Amber Hillis: Shelter worker, NC, GA
Garry Hillis: Shelter worker, NC
Don Zimmer: Shelter worker, NC
Rose Caltrider: Shelter worker, NC
Tracy Yerkey: Shelter worker, NC
Joyce Work: Shelter worker, NC
Charles Thomas: Feeding Supervisor, NC, Feeding Lead, GA
Pam Turner: Health Professionals Direct Deployment Coach
Phil Barletto: Casework Supervisor, NC
John Price: Distribution of Emergency Supplies, NC
Lisa Lohrman: Distribution of Emergency Supplies, NC, FL, ERV Driver, FL
Marvin Williams: Distribution of Emergency Supplies Supervisor, NC, FL, Transportation, FL
Jim Shaw: Health Services, NC, FL
Ed England: ERV Driver, GA
Mark Turner: ERV Driver, GA
Tami Wright: Reunification, FL
Montalilita Ruffin: Shelter worker, FL
Lee Loggins: DST, TX
Jeannie Decker: Disaster Assessment, GA
Vincent Hernandez: Disaster Assessment, FL
Alisha Perkins: Shelter worker, FL

If you would like to volunteer with the American Red Cross, please visit RedCross.org or call our office at 931-645-6401

Letter from Southeast Tennessee Executive Director, Julia Wright - November 2018

If you attended the 2018 Heroes Luncheon, it will come as no surprise to you the success of this year’s event.  On Tuesday, November 13th business and community leaders came together to honor local heroes at the CHI Memorial Heroes Luncheon.

Mr. James Gagliano, FBI (Ret.) Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) and CNN Law Enforcement Analyst, spoke to the crowd about his experiences including his interaction with the Red Cross though-out his career.

Each year, the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee honors individuals and groups for acts of great bravery, dedication and service to the community at the Heroes Luncheon, sharing the mission of the American Red Cross and raising the financial funding resources necessary to provide their core humanitarian services.  This year was no different, we honored six individuals in five categories for their service to the community:  Bill Farmer, Volunteer Hero; Brittany Harris and Colleen Ryan, Community Outreach Heroes; Chad Davis, First Responder Hero, Daniel Tomanelli, Youth Hero; Rev. Willie Kitchens, Good Samaritan Hero; and Carolyn Guerry, Humanitarian of the Year.

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Heroes Luncheon such a success!

Letter from Mid-West Tennessee Executive Director, David Hicks - November 2018

Greetings Mid-West TN Chapter volunteers!

Last week we celebrated Veterans Day, so I want to take this opportunity to express our chapter’s sincere appreciation for all that our military veteran volunteers have done to help maintain freedom in our country. We have a deep sense of gratitude for the sacrifices each of you have made in regard to your families, friends, careers, personal goals, etc. for the sake of service to our country and the betterment of us as citizens. Please know that the American Red Cross will always feel indebted to you for allowing us the freedom to serve our communities when they are in greatest need!

I also want to take the opportunity in this article to express even more appreciation to our volunteers who deployed in response to both Hurricanes these past couple of months (Florence and Michael)! You were all strong representatives of our chapter. Our efforts proved invaluable to the assignments we were given and the communities we impacted for healing and restoration. Our participation helped assist our Tennessee Region in breaking the “200 barrier” for overall number of volunteers to respond in September and October! Heather and I couldn’t be more proud, and we know that our chapter will be even stronger in the future due to the invaluable experience we all gained in our service to communities in our neighbor states of the Carolinas, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Go Mid-West TN chapter!!