Written By: J. Alan Ruiz

The East Texas Chapter of the American Red Cross held an open house on June 16 to welcome residents and introduce the new chapter executive director, Karen Holt.

Holt and the team met more than 70 community members coming in to learn more about the Red Cross. Existing volunteers were on hand to talk about Service to the Armed Forces, Disaster Services, Blood Donations and encourage guests to volunteer their time. The volunteer sign up table stayed busy all afternoon with lots of interest. Our guests were treated to live demos, info sessions, balloons, and tasty chicken strips, muffins, and grits from Whataburger.

Community partners like Primrose Health Solutions came out in support of the open house and to learn how the Red Cross volunteer program works. Its hope is to encourage its clients to volunteer with the Red Cross as their abilities allow. Primrose mission is to serve all individuals with respect and quality care.

"Our East Texas Chapter Open House exemplified the coming together of the community to support one another,” said Holt.  “Many members attended today’s events to gain knowledge of the Red Cross and potentially become the new volunteers to help carry forward the mission.” Things are off to a great start and the City of Tyler looks to have a bright future ahead.