Waverly Volunteer with the American Red Cross Helps his Neighbors in Need

By Debra Alexander Fisher, Red Cross Volunteer 

Bruce Felts began volunteering with the American Red Cross in 2011 as a Disaster Action Team member with the Tennessee River chapter. On Aug. 21, 2021, Felts was able to step up and serve his own community after a historic and deadly flash flood destroyed much of the city that he called home. 

Following the flooding in Waverly, Felts served in feeding services on an Emergency Response Vehicle for Red Cross to people who had lost their homes and for some, their own loved ones. 

He knew he wanted to serve and help his community. Being so close to the disaster, there was some hesitation to assign him to the disaster response. Felts persisted and has been working every day since the waters overtook the city. “It has been a rollercoaster of emotions,” he admits. “I have been working my regular job during the day, then feeding after work in the community.” 

Many of his family and friends lost everything including some friends that lost their lives. “I can’t help the ones that lost their lives,” he said. “But for me, handing meals to my neighbors, family and friends and being able to speak to them by name is not only rewarding, but knowing they are alive and are okay has had a calming effect on me.” 

Felts said he is so appreciates being a part of the recovery in Waverly, and for the outpouring of more than 200 Red Cross volunteers from all over the country who have come together for a common goal of hope and help.