Come sit on the porch with me. 

Story by Tom Kunicki, American Red Cross Volunteer

Photos by Carlos Rodriguez, American Red Cross Volunteer

DRESDEN, Tenn., December 22, 2021 - December Tennessee Tornadoes Response  

It is said often, but it bears repeating, that a picture is worth a thousand words.  

Images of disaster and recovery have more impact on our mood and sentiment than even the most eloquent speech or the most poignant quote.  Amidst the destruction and rubble, you can find, if you look closely, a memory of the time when we were invited to “come sit on the porch” of a neighbor or friend or reminded to remain “Tennessee Tough.”

The photos seen here were included in hundreds captured over several days by Carlos Rodriguez, a fellow Red Cross volunteer.  Carlos is a business analyst by profession with a passion for photography who has spent his first deployment with the Red Cross documenting the destruction and aftermath of the tornadoes that have devastated entire towns, such as Dresden, in this area of Tennessee.

Carlos will tell you, “I love photography. As I ponder the subject I try to capture as much as possible to convey the theme, the effect or emotion that the picture may be contained within. One such picture is the one of the stained glass that says ‘On this rock, I will build my church.’ I am hopeful that it will be rebuilt.”

Through this deployment, his first, Carlos has solidified a deep appreciation for the Red Cross and his fellow volunteers.  He would tell you, “I have been thinking that I would like to compile my thoughts about this deployment… as an observer/volunteer inside the fishbowl that I believe many, many people outside of the fishbowl do not see … the work that takes place by the few that actually belong to the Red Cross and the volunteers from across our nation that answer the call.”

We can share his sense of pride when he praises “the synchronicity that takes place to bring the volunteers together and into one site that will lend a hand in many, many ways in the delivery and recovery of our clients that have, respectfully, been brought to their knees and are now in dire need of support to get back on their feet and again in many ways.” 

In addition to his photography, Carlos is also passionate about his volunteer service as an interpreter and translator here in the recovery scene but also in Nashville as an interpreter in the hospitals when called upon.  Carlos continues, “I have been blessed by Ms. Sherri (Mckinney) and her invitation to work for her, the dedicated souls both with the Red Cross and volunteers, and the opportunity to serve in what way I can. For this, I am indebted and forever grateful.”

 

Stories from the Destruction – Voices of Recovery

Photos and story by Debra Alexander Fisher, American Red Cross Volunteer  

 

KINGSTON SPRINGS, Tenn., Dec. 14, 2022 - The devastating tornado disaster Dec. 11, 2021 for the residents of Thompson's Station is story of resilience and community. This historic neighborhood is no stranger weather event devastation.  

 

Next door neighbors Susan Greer and Jennifer Appleton worked side by side helping to clean debris from their homes after tornadoes touched down in the early morning hours leaving a swath of destruction in its path. These two women told stories of Middle Tennessee 2010 Floods where they walked hand in hand across their neighbor's field to safety and how thankful they were for the help the American Red Cross was giving during that disaster. They both still have their Red Cross clean-up kit buckets from that disaster. This morning, they will need more help from the Red Cross, but their realize volunteers are already there to assist with the recovery.  

 

Further down the street at the Shacklett Church of Christ the Moore Brothers Jeremiah and Bo jump out of their truck with boards and tarps to secure the Church from any further damage. Across the street Roy and Stephanie Greer had friends and family from young to seasoned cutting trees and hauling debris from their home. Families working alongside families.  

 

Moving further down the road Laura Waxmen and her brother assess the damage as they coordinate setting up a way for all to charge phones and shelter.  

 

The stories of survivors of the 2021 December tornadoes spoke of resilience and gratitude to the American Red Cross volunteers who started as strangers reaching out to help residents, and then quickly became friends and a beacon of hope following the storms.  

 

For more information on what the American Red Cross of Tennessee Region is doing to help tornado disaster relief, go to RedCross.org/Tennessee.  

Red Cross Response to Multi-State Tornado Outbreak

Tennessee Red Cross Volunteers Continue Serving into Second Week of Disaster Response

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 17, 2021 – When disaster strikes, the American Red Cross is there. Saturday, Dec. 11, Tennessee experienced strong thunderstorms that were part of a four-state tornado event lasting almost 14 hours.

 

More than 450 trained American Red Cross volunteers and staff from all over the country are helping on the ground and virtually in Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Missouri, focused on providing shelter, meals, comfort, and support in the face of the deadliest tornado outbreak in a decade.

 

Some two dozen emergency response vehicles are moving through the affected areas where possible. We are working around the clock to help those in need, as quickly as possible.

 

 

This map shows the damage from the storms’ path that resulted from as many as 23 tornadoes and damaging winds across 18 counties in Tennessee. The towns of Samburg, Dresden, Kenton, and Kingston Springs have seen significant impacts.

 

Response in Tennessee

As of Dec. 16, the Red Cross provided the following services across the state of Tennessee:

• Damage assessment is complete by trained disaster volunteers.  Of 1,253 homes (including apartments/mobile homes) impacted in Tennessee, 174 are listed as destroyed, 249 with major damage (presently unlivable), 312 have minor damage, and 442 are listed as affected (cosmetic damage or damage to non-living areas like sheds, garages, etc.)
•  Served more than 3,370 meals and snacks
•  Distributed almost 1,100 relief items
•  Made about 118 individual care contacts to support physical, mental health and spiritual needs of those affected
• Supported by 105 on the ground and virtual American Red Cross volunteers

 

For information on the Tennessee disaster response, or to find out how you can help following a disaster, go to RedCross.org/Tennessee.

Nashville Predators and American Red Cross score with multi-city, record breaking blood drives Dec. 27 - Dec. 31

 

Pre-registered donors will receive a Nashville Predators Foam puck and "Bleed Gold” T-shirt and will be entered into a drawing for an American Red Cross logo puck signed by current Nashville Predators player for each drive  

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 14, 2021 — The American Red Cross is continuing the partnership with the Nashville Predators Foundation to host a multi-city blood drive Dec. 27 – Dec. 31.  

 

All presenting donors who pre-schedule an appointment will receive a Predators foam hockey puck, and a Preds “Bleed Gold” t-shirt while supplies last. All presenting donors will be automatically entered into a drawing to win an official American Red Cross logo puck signed by a current Nashville Predators player from each blood drive location.  

 

The American Red Cross continues to experience a critical blood shortage and donors of all blood types – especially type O and those giving platelets – are urged to make an appointment to give now.  

 

“The Red Cross’s national blood inventory has never been this low in a decade,” said Garry Allison, regional donor services executive with the Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “We are calling on all healthy and eligible donors to please make your appointment to give. It is critical that we reach out to those donors who have been on the fence about giving to please step up to help us supply our hospital partners with the life-saving blood they need. Our partnership with the Nashville Predators historically makes such an impact on supply in our communities to meet the emergency need for blood in our region.” Eighty percent of blood donated to the Red Cross is acquired from blood donations made at blood drives. The organization supplies 40 percent of blood across the nation.  

 

How to donate blood 

Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: PREDS19 or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements. 

 

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. 

 

Donors with sickle cell trait  

At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is also screening all blood, platelet, and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease. 

 

Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.  

 

Blood drive safety 

The health and safety of everyone attending Red Cross blood drives across the country is a priority, especially as COVID-19 cases are surging again. As such, the Red Cross resumed requiring all blood donors, staff and others at our blood drives and donation centers to wear face masks regardless of their vaccination status.  

 

To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation. 

 

Individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are still eligible to donate blood and platelets. Knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they receive is important in determining blood donation eligibility.  

 

Nashville Predators Foundation blood donation opportunities Dec. 27-Dec. 31: 

 

Monday, Dec. 27, 2021    

East Tennessee American Red Cross - Auditorium  

6921 Middlebrook Pike    

Knoxville, TN 37909 

1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

  

Vanderbilt University Medical Center - Light Hall  

2215 Garland Avenue  

Nashville, TN 37232 

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

  

The Inn at Opryland - McGavock Ballroom  

2401 Music Valley Drive 

Nashville, TN 37214 

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

  

Clarksville American Red Cross Chapter - Donor Room 

1760 Madison Street   

Clarksville, TN 37043 

10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

  

Hendersonville Community Church - Gym 

381 West Main Street 

Hendersonville, TN 37075 

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

  

Sumner Regional Medical Center - Sumner Station Room 213 

225 Big Station Camp Blvd.  

Gallatin, TN 37066 

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

  

City of Brentwood - Meeting Rooms  

8109 Concord Road 

Brentwood, TN 37027 

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

  

Faith Lutheran Church - Fellowship Hall  

1655 Main Street 

Lebanon, TN 37087 

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

  

Courtyard by Marriott - Providence B  

1980 Providence Parkway  

Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

 

Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021  

World Outreach Church - Gym 

1921 New Salem Highway  

Murfreesboro, TN 37129 

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

  

Vanderbilt University Medical Center - Light Hall 

2215 Garland Avenue  

Nashville, TN 372323 

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

  

East Tennessee American Red Cross - Auditorium  

6921 Middlebrook Pike    

Knoxville, TN 37909 

1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

  

Memphis American Red Cross Chapter - Board Room 

1399 Madison Avenue   

Memphis, TN 38104 

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

  

First Baptist Church - Multi-Purpose Room  

613 South Main Street 

Goodlettsville, TN 37072 

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

  

Ford Ice Center Bellevue - Room # 1 & 4 

7638 B Highway 70 S 

Nashville, TN 37221 

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.  

  

City of Brentwood - Meeting Rooms  

8109 Concord Road 

Brentwood, TN 37027 

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

  

Lafayette United Methodist Church - Fellowship Hall  

506 Bratton Avenue 

Lafayette, TN 37083 

12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

 

Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021  

CoolSprings Galleria - JCPenney Wing  

1800 Galleria Blvd.  

Franklin, TN 37067 

12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

  

Sumner Regional Medical Center - Foxland Monthaven Room  

555 Hartsville Pike  

Gallatin, TN 37066 

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  

  

Clarksville American Red Cross Chapter - Donor Room 

1760 Madison Street   

Clarksville, TN 37043 

10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

  

Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center - Meeting Rooms 

1021 Wilkinson Trace   

Bowling Green, KY 42103 

10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

  

City of Mt. Juliet - Mount Juliet Community Center  

1075 Charlie Daniels Parkway  

Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

  

Brentwood Hills Church of Christ - Classrooms 401-403 

5120 Franklin Pike 

Nashville, TN 37220 

11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  

  

American Legion Post 19 - Auditorium  

812 Nashville Highway 

Columbia, TN 38401 

1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

 

Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021  

City of Brentwood - Meeting Rooms  

8109 Concord Road 

Brentwood, TN 37027 

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

  

Southeast Tennessee American Red Cross - Training Room 

4115 S. Access Road      

Chattanooga, TN 37406 

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

  

Ridgetop First Baptist Church - Fellowship Hall  

1757 Highway 41 South  

Ridgetop, TN 37152 

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

  

Natchez Trace American Red Cross - Chapter Office  

215 W. Fowlkes Street Suite 100      

Franklin, TN 37064 

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

  

Dickson Community - Main Street 

115 Tennesco Drive 

Dickson, TN 37055 

10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.  

  

Crossville Community - VJ Dodson Multi-Purpose Room 

1398 Livingston Road  

Crossville, TN 38555 

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

  

Sumner Regional Medical Center - Foxland Monthaven Room  

555 Hartsville Pike  

Gallatin, TN 37066 

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

 

Friday, Dec. 31, 2021  

Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center - Meeting Rooms 

1021 Wilkinson Trace   

Bowling Green, KY 42103 

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

 

Red Cross Sheltering Update for Response to Tennessee Tornadoes - Dec. 15, 2021

The American Red Cross has opened emergency shelters in two locations across Tennessee following the devastating tornadoes that struck on Dec. 11.

Red Cross volunteers and staff are prepared to provide residents in need with a safe, warm place to sleep, food and emotional support for those with immediate, disaster-caused needs. Disaster caseworkers will meet with displaced families, assess their needs and help build their individualized recovery plans.

Current Shelter locations:

Beech River Airport - 1600 Mt. Arafat Rd., Darden, TN - Henderson County (Serving Decatur County)

Kenton First Baptist Church - 204 S. Poplar St., Kenton, TN - Gibson County

*Please note, the shelter that was open in Obion closed Dec. 15 at noon.

American Red Cross is operating all shelters under strict COVID protocol and asks all residents to please wear masks inside the facilities.

For information on Red Cross shelters, or to find out how you can help following a disaster, go to

RedCross.org/Tennessee

.

[Shelter information as of Dec. 15, 5 p.m. CST]

American Red Cross Update on Tennessee Tornadoes - Dec. 11, 2021

 

Dec. 11, 2021. Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Photo by Ryan Meyer/American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross is on the ground helping people affected by the powerful tornadoes that hit the Tennessee Region overnight. 

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 11, 2021 - With the help of partners, Red Cross disaster volunteers are working around the clock across multiple states that include Tennessee to make sure everyone has a safe place to stay, food to eat, critical relief supplies and emotional support and comfort.  

 

Updates on our response:  

• At least 24 tornadoes ripped across six states in the dark of night, impacting people in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee.  
• Several emergency shelters are open to provide comfort for people who can’t return home. As the weather clears, Red Cross volunteers will be out in affected communities assessing the damage left behind to help determine how we can support people in the coming days and weeks. 
• The Red Cross has provided more than 160 blood products to hospitals in response to these devastating tornadoes. We remain in touch with our hospital partners throughout affected areas and stand ready to provide additional blood products as needed.  
• Initial reports show some communities have suffered significant damage with homes and buildings destroyed, and hundreds of thousands of people left without power.  
• The threat isn’t over — the National Weather Service reports that the severe weather will continue today from the Ohio and Tennessee valleys to the northern Gulf States. 
• As Red Cross workers respond to last night’s tornadoes, we urge everyone who remains in the path of this ongoing severe weather to listen to the advice of local officials and be ready to get to a safe place quickly in case of a tornado warning. 
• After a disaster, letting your family and friends know that you are safe and well can bring your loved ones great peace of mind. This Safe and Well website has been activated for the Tennessee Tornadoes, December 2021. To register, go to  SafeandWell.org.  

 

Shelters are opening: If you or someone you know needs a safe place to go, Red Cross shelters will be available. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The app is available at redcross.org/apps. 

 

Interviews are available: Red Cross spokespeople in Tennessee are available for interviews. Please contact Sherri McKinney, Regional Director of Communications at 615-425-6679, or at sherri.mckinney@redcross.org.  

 

How can you help: People can help those affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800 RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 
 
Stay safe: The Red Cross reminds people affected by the tornadoes to not return to their homes until officials say it is safe to do so.  

 

RED CROSS EMERGENCY APP 

Download the free bilingual Red Cross Emergency App (English, Spanish) to access expert advice on how to prepare and respond to severe weather and features real-time local alerts for severe weather and hazards and includes a map with local Red Cross shelters. Text GETEMERGENCY to 90999 or search “Red Cross Emergency” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. 

 

For more information about how to prepare for, respond to and recover from severe weather, visit redcross.org/storms.