The aftermath of the December tornadoes left a swath through parts of Tennessee of debris and distress. Red Cross workers rushed to the aid of families by providing food, shelter, relief supplies and words of encouragement. Red Cross workers from around the country continue reaching out to offer assistance to those whose homes have been destroyed or have received major structural damage. Disasters like these can be devastating both physically and emotionally as residents realize their homes are no longer livable. These disasters leave people wondering what to do next with their lives and livelihoods.  

One agency alone cannot meet all the needs of individuals and families impacted by the tornadoes. The inquiry about volunteer opportunities from a representative of the Marine Recruiting Station in Nashville was a much needed and welcome call to Red Cross operations. With an estimated 475 homes destroyed or unlivable due to the Tennessee tornadoes, the Red Cross needed to contact qualified homeowners to inform them of assistance and other services offered by the Red Cross. Red Cross flyers in hand, as many as 30 U.S. Marines fanned out in the affected areas informing homeowners about assistance or leaving behind the flyers at the homes to make sure occupants are aware of Red Cross services.  

The Red Cross is thankful to our partners and donors who continue to come to the aid of these communities.

Story by Charlotte Rodriguez, Red Cross volunteer writer