In Tennessee, communities across the state are coming together to bring help where it is needed most through volunteer work and donations for victims.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Severe floods in the southeast have left millions of people without power, water and road access. In Tennessee, communities across the state are coming together to bring help where it is needed most through volunteer work and donations for victims.
At this time, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) has asked citizens to avoid all flood-impacted areas until they are deemed safe. Officials warn these areas are unable to handle an influx of people after buildings have been toppled and major highways were swept away.
TEMA’s latest update said, “Impacted counties do not have the capability to receive material donations or volunteers that have not been requested by state or local authorities. Do not self-deploy; it hinders life-safety operations in impacted counties.”
Some local organizations are accepting donations to be delivered to these communities when it is appropriate. Water and wastewater systems in many areas have been affected, making bottled water a top priority. Donations beyond material goods, like volunteers and financial contributions, are also being accepted to help these communities.
Statewide
American Red Cross of Tennessee is accepting monetary donations to help them expand efforts in these areas. Disaster volunteer sign-ups and blood donations are also encouraged. For more information visit redcross.org.
East Tennessee Foundation is an official source to make monetary donations to impacted counties. Visit easttennesseefoundation.org.
East Tennessee State University is collecting items to build flood buckets and hygiene kits. They are also conducting a blood drive on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Details on how to donate can be found at www.etsu.edu.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee asked for donations to be made so they can continue to distribute food and water where it is needed most. Donate by calling 423-279-0430 or online.
The Salvation Army of Kentucky and Tennessee has already begun providing critical help to the flood-impacted areas, and now request donations as they continue their efforts. Donations can be made at helpsalvationarmy.org or by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology is collecting bottled water for flood victims at all of its locations this week. Individuals involved with TCAT’s truck driving program will be delivering the items to East Tennessee. You can find a full list of TCAT locations at www.tbr.edu.
United Way of East Tennessee Highlands serves a multiple impacted counties. You can donate to their disaster relief fund at unitedwayetnh.org. To help additional United Way locations, click here.
Clay County
Clay County Emergency Management Agency is collecting flashlights, batteries, hygiene items, cleaning supplies and more. Donations can be brought to 143 Cordell Hull Dr. in Celina. For more information, click here.
Hickman County
Helping Hands of Hickman County is accepting bottled water donations until Oct. 5 at 10515 Ligon Love Rd. in Bon Aqua.
Lincoln County
Lincoln County FFA is collecting supply donations for East Tennessee at Lincoln County High School, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church and Park City Baptist Church. Click here for more details.
Perry County
Perry County Sheriff’s Office is collecting bottled water, gas cans, baby formula and plastic totes. Drop-offs will be accepted at Perry County Sheriffs Office, Perry County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lobelville Public Works Building. For more information and times click here.
Sumner County
Halltown Church in Portland will be collecting toiletries, water, canned goods and more starting on Oct. 1. Donations can be dropped off in the parking lot of Halltown Church at 120 Dink Rut Rd. in Portland. The items will be taken to victims in North Carolina and Tennessee on Oct. 11. For more information click here.
Wayne County
Collinwood High School is accepting donations of bottled water and paper products. Drop offs can be made in the school’s office at 401 N. Trojan Blvd. in Collinwood.
Wilson County
MJ 4 Hope out of Mt. Juliet has started to collect donations for people affected by Hurricane Helene. Click here to donate to their East Tennessee disaster relief fund.
True Rescue volunteers are in North Carolina assisting with animal rescues. To help care for the animals being rescued from flooded shelters and people in the area, the shelter is accepting financial donations, pet food and supplies. Donations can be dropped off at True Rescue Shelter at 12110 Lebanon Rd. in Mt. Juliet.
The Lebanon Fire Department is hosting a donation at their headquarters, located at 520 Coles Ferry Pike. Fire officials said they will receive donations from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. until further notice. For information about donations, click here.
Email webstaff@wkrn.com for any donation drives you would like to see added.