Letter from Tennessee River Executive Director, Pamela Holz - December 2019

“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” -unknown 

What kind of community do you want to live in? As Red Cross volunteers, you show the world every day that you want to be part of something bigger than yourself. You want to be part of an organization that exists to give hope. You give hope. 

Every time you climb out of your warm bed to answer that 2:00 a.m. phone call and help someone whose home has just burned down. Every time you join in a class to learn how to be prepared to help those who have been caught unprepared in the face of a storm. Every time you leave your home community to help those in another community who have lost their homes. Every time you give time to those who have lost all that they had collected over time. Every time you provide for those who are giving of themselves to help others. Every time you share the joy of volunteering with potential volunteers. Every time you tell others in the community about all the ways the Red Cross is there to help our community. 

Every time you give of your time and talents as a Red Cross volunteer, you are voting for a better community for all of us. While every person serves for their own reasons, what is consistent is that each of you is appreciated for your service. 

Thank you for creating the time in your life to give to others so that their lives can be better. Thank you for volunteering with the Red Cross and joining with thousands across the country and around the world to vote for a better community for all of us. Your gift of time, your daily vote. They make a difference. You make a difference.

Pamela Holz