Volunteer Appreciation Week: Tanya Garitty

There’s something to be said about a volunteer who has made an impact in 4 different states. Tanya Garitty makes sure people know she’s there to provide comfort. Tanya has been a part of 4 different regions for the American Red Cross: Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, and Kentucky.

A few minutes before midnight on July 4th, 1990, Tanya’s neighbor in New Orleans set their house on fire for insurance fraud. The fire spread to Tanya’s and 3 other homes. Tanya had just given birth to her third child and was on her way home. Tanya’s best friend was at her home watching her 2-year-old and 1-year-old. Her friend ran through the flames with the young kids to save them. “As she reached the back door, the room my son was sleeping in was engulfed in flames. Just a few more seconds and all three of them would have died,” said Tanya.

Tanya was amazed by how the Red Cross helped her. “I couldn’t produce milk for my baby because I was in shock. The Red Cross got me a bottle sterilizer… They got my kids toys. I had nothing, and they kept in touch with me.” When Tanya found a new home, the Red Cross got her a U-Haul to help with the move. After that, she was all in. She knew she wanted to volunteer with us.

Tanya is now a jack of all trades. She is a mass care shelter manager for disaster services, a CPR/First Aid trainer, a duty officer, and the Blood Donor Ambassador Lead for Shelby County, KY. Even though she is busy, she loves connecting with people. It’s her calling. “It’s about spending time with somebody who just needs the arm around them. You want to cry? We’re here. People need to be told they are beautiful and loved… Not just when a disaster is going on,” said Tanya. She has been wrapping her arms around folks for 31 years, and she’s nowhere near done.

When reflecting on a favorite memory, Tanya remembered a man she helped during Hurricane Michael. The man was on his way to the shelter. He lost his house and had his dog with him. On the way to the shelter, he was T-boned by another car. His dog ran off and the man was taken to the hospital. “He gets out of the hospital and only has his hospital gown and slippers. He comes to the shelter, and I say ‘let me get you some clothes’ and he said ‘I don’t care about clothes. I just want my dog,” reflected Tanya.

Tanya knew in her heart she had to find the dog. The man was barely eating. “I had a day off from volunteering because it was my birthday. I didn’t take off. I used my personal phone to call shelters 100s of miles away,” said Tanya. "I got a call from a police officer, and she walks in the shelter with the dog. The man went to his knees on the floor and started crying uncontrollably. “He said ‘can I keep my dog here at the shelter?’ I said ‘you cannot, but the Humane Society has a shelter for him. Go spend as much time as you want with him outside.' He would sit with the dog in the rain and sun for hours. He just wanted his dog,” commented Tanya.

That story is one of many ways that Tanya has gone above and beyond in her volunteer work. She explained when you go through a disaster, the pain is unbearable. It probably won’t ease within 1 day or even a week. But 1 year later, it will hurt a little less. “I always say, you can use this as your story. You can help other people. Volunteer with us and be that arm around their shoulder,” said Tanya.

Tanya is a biomedical specialist and went to medical school. She loves to bowl and play card and board games. She is very passionate about her church and ministry. Tanya has 4 kids and 6 grandchildren. “I take pride when I see an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) going by in a disaster zone. It’s important. Knowing you can provide some type of comfort,” said Tanya.

We are inspired by your perseverance, Tanya! Kentucky is grateful to have you as a leader and volunteer. We know you will continue to be that smiling face to those in need. You can be a disaster volunteer, too! Visit redcross.org to check out our open opportunities. #VolunteerAppreciationMonth