If you're looking for a standout example of partnership in action, just turn to East Tennessee after Hurricane Helene. The storm brought with it high winds and heavy rain forcing rivers to jump their banks and sweep homes down with them. Some neighborhoods are unrecognizable, other areas still cannot be reached because the roads have been washed away or they’re covered by debris.

Little Germany is a small town that has been cut off by the storm. There is no getting in or out either by bridge or by road. It is effectively an island. There is also no electricity or water services.

The American Red Cross learned that this community needed food and that the National Guard was willing to deliver that food via helicopter. The Red Cross was able to provide 50 meal boxes (each containing 10 meals), water, and comfort kits to go on the chopper and be distributed throughout this community.

On October 5, 2024, American Red Cross disaster responders met guard members at Lamar Elementary School in Washington County and learned that Tennessee Public Health nurses would also be going into Little Germany to give free vaccines for those wanted them and to also make sure no one had any urgent health needs.

Joel Sullivan, regional executive officer for the Tennessee Red Cross, says this is just a snapshot of what’s going on right now and that the organization is working with partners around the clock to make sure people are taken care of.

“Tennessee is a survivor state. People come together to help the community when it’s hurting. Whether it’s the National Guard, the Tennessee nurses, or agencies like the United Way.”

Sullivan started to choke up as he explained that it’s the people on the ground that really inspire him.  “We’ve seen people who’ve had nothing, helping others. They’ll tell you ‘I got nothing’ so the only thing I can do is help others.”

That spirit has been present since day 1 and hasn’t wavered in the days that have followed the storm.  Many agree it will be something that bonds them forever.

So, what’s next? Sullivan says, “To keep helping people. Help people rebuild lives and get back to normal, whatever that normal is.”   

The American Red Cross will be here as long as needed. If you need help recovering from Hurricane Helene, go to www.RedCross.org/Helene. If you’d like to help support our mission, please go to http://www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RedCross (1-800-733-2767), or text “Helene” to 90999.