On Saturday, December 10, the country woke up to the news that multiple tornadoes had ripped through the central and southern states leaving behind a trail of devastation overnight. Homes were destroyed, cars were tossed aside and lives were lost during the deadliest tornado outbreak in over a decade. The destruction left behind is heartbreaking and damage is widespread as the tornadoes spanned over 250 miles across multiple states. At the same time, trained Red Cross workers arrived on-site to begin the recovery efforts focusing on providing shelter, meals, comfort and care to the communities affected.

Dennis Barnett, a Red Cross volunteer from the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Chapter, deployed to assist in the recovery process. Before Dennis committed to being deployed, he asked his family if they would be okay if he missed this year’s holiday celebrations. With compassion, they responded, “No, Dad…we’re not going to be happy that you’re not here, but we know you love to help people and you really need to go up there and help them.” With the stamp of approval from his family, Dennis has been on the ground listening to the heartbreaking stories of the people who experienced the tornadoes. He says the simple act of listening helps some people feel better. Dennis will return to his home and his family after his deployment ends, but some of the people he’s met have nothing to return to. The Red Cross will be on the ground for as long as needed to help these communities recover and rebuild their lives.

With the help of partners across four states, as of December 20, the Red Cross has served more than 28,000 meals and snacks, distributed more than 16,700 relief items and provided more than 3,800 individual care contacts to help people with medical or disability needs as well as emotional and spiritual support during these challenging times.

With thousands of homes affected and damage spanning hundreds of miles, this response is a team effort. Massive disasters like these tornadoes leave behind an incredible amount of need. The Red Cross depends on volunteers, like Dennis, to fulfill its mission to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Your time and talent can make a difference in people’s lives because disasters don’t stop – not even during the holidays. For more information on becoming a volunteer with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteer.

Written by Stephanie Wesseling, American Red Cross Public Affairs