Giving Hope by Giving Volunteer Time with American Red Cross

Left to right: Sharon Hudson, East Tennessee Red Cross executive director; Burak Er, East Tennessee Red Cross board member; Kristin Rice, East Tennessee Red Cross disaster program manager

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 11, 2023 - For many families, disaster hits at night, when they are sound asleep, but awaken by the sound of a smoke alarm or a tree falling. When a terrifying event like that happens late at night or early in the morning, it’s a time where not many places are open, and not many people are awake to give a helping hand in this vulnerable time of need. However, Burak Er is ready to help families in need at any hour of the night as he volunteers for the overnight shift for the American Red Cross of East Tennessee. 

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to help someone out when they need it the most. When they see you, it gives them hope,” Burak stated as he explained why volunteering for the Red Cross is so important to him. 

Burak began volunteering for the Red Cross five years ago as a member of the Disaster Action Team. Since that day, he has responded to over 50 calls. Two years ago, he joined the East Tennessee Chapter Board of Directors where he serves as the chair for events by promoting and engaging the community, which brings awareness to the Red Cross services. He has supported the organization through many events such as Sound the Alarm – a smoke alarm and home fire safety campaign, airport drills, emergency planning for city disasters, as well as responding to local emergencies in Knoxville and surrounding counties. In talking about his role as a Board Member, Burak expresses the impact that these events create by saying, “It’s about being out there, showing our presence, and sharing grace.” 

In addition to helping families through the evening and early morning hours, Burak is a full-time entrepreneur with Package Manager, which is also a proud partner of American Red Cross events. 

Burak is passionate about his volunteer work saying, “Wherever you are in the world, the Red Cross is there.” 

To learn more about how you can get involved with the Red Cross, through donations or volunteering, please visit redcross.org/tennessee or call 1-800-RED CROSS. 

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/Tennessee or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossTN.