KNOXVILLE, TN: Recovery Efforts Underway After Hurricane Helene
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left several counties in East Tennessee scrambling for recovery. As communities begin to pick up the pieces, it’s clear that the impact of the storm was severe, especially in places like Cocke County, Unicoi County, and Greene County. For many residents, the torrential downpours and flooding have destroyed property and crucial infrastructure, leaving them without essential resources such as clean water.
In the wake of this natural disaster, various organizations and local businesses are rallying together to lend a helping hand. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) are mobilizing support and are actively encouraging donations to assist those affected by the storm.
How You Can Help
If you’re looking to help, there are many ways you can get involved. TEMA is coordinating with the Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (TNVOAD) to streamline recovery efforts. Volunteers are definitely appreciated; however, it’s important to stick to official channels for volunteering instead of heading out on your own. Often, self-deploying can create more chaos in an already challenging situation. To ensure your efforts make a positive impact, you can sign up to volunteer through official sites.
In a recent update from TEMA on Monday afternoon, officials emphasized the importance of financial contributions or donations through local organizations asking for specific items. Here’s a rundown of donation efforts currently taking place across the Knoxville area and East Tennessee:
Drop-Off Locations and Needed Items
- Ripley’s – Pigeon Forge Welcome Center
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 1950 Parkway
Items Needed: Bottled water, pre-packaged snacks, baby food, baby formula, diapers, baby wipes, first aid supplies, new socks and underwear, clean towels and blankets, laundry detergent, pet food, kitty litter, hygiene items. - Knox County Government – Engineering and Public Works
Financial contributions can be made here. You can visit in person or reach out online for more details. - Second Harvest Eastern Tennessee
Address: 136 Harvest Lane in Maryville
Items Needed: Non-perishable food, snacks, ready-to-eat meals, bottled water, toiletries, soap, detergent, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, Q-tips, combs, hairbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, rash cream, dog food, cat food, cat litter, rags, mops, brooms, scrub brushes, garbage bags, plastic buckets, shovels, and rakes. - Loudon County Justice Center
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday
Address: 12680 Highway 11 in Lenoir City
See list above for needed items. - Pigeon Forge Police Department
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Address: 2986 Teaster Lane
Items Needed: Buckets with lids, tarps, shovels and rakes, trash bags, work gloves, masks, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, diapers, bottled water, baby formula, pre-packaged snacks, can openers, first aid supplies, personal hygiene items, new socks and underwear, clean towels and blankets, laundry detergent, pet food, kitty litter.
Second Harvest representatives share that financial support is often the most effective way to help, as it allows organizations to purchase exactly what is needed for those in need.
The outpouring of support in times like these is heartwarming. As communities gather together and help each other out, it reminds us of the unshakeable spirit of East Tennessee. Whether you can donate your time, your resources, or money, every bit helps in the long journey to recovery. If you’ve been touched by the spirit of giving, reach out and lend a hand!
