Numerous efforts are under way locally to help victims of the fires that have destroyed much of the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge communities.
Here are some of the efforts that we know of at this time:
• Lincoln Memorial University will have a university-wide effort, “LMU Responds,” that will kick off at 7 a.m. on Nov. 30, with students, faculty and staff managing a collection site in the upper parking lot of Tex Turner Arena on the Schenck Center side. Items in demand include warm blankets, water, bottled drinks, energy bars, non-perishable food, diapers, baby and personal wipes, hygiene items (toothpaste, brushes, combs, deodorant, etc.) pet supplies, coats, gloves and scarves. The Harrogate and Claiborne County communities are encouraged to participate. LMU will coordinate delivery of items to the Sevier County Rescue Squad.
“LMU Responds” will operate from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday. Railsplitter fans are encouraged to bring donations to women’s and men’s basketball games on Wednesday. For more information contact Kate Reagan at 423-869-6389 or by email at Kate.Reagan@lmunet.edu.
• The entire Claiborne County School System is taking up loose change and donations on Wednesday.
“I talked to the director of Sevier County Schools, Jack Parton, today and his community has multiple families that have lost their homes. The financial need is great to cover the cost of the necessary living expenses for the displaced families. As a system we are reaching out by asking our students and their families to help our neighboring schools by donating any amount of change. All donations will go directly to Sevier County to provide for the children in need,” said Connie Holdway, director of schools in a system-wide email. “I feel blessed that the devastating fires of East Tennessee have not tragically reached our community. The Sevier County director has expressed his appreciation for the concern and help that Claiborne County firefighters have already provided and for the community offering financial support. Thank you in advance for your help as we keep these families in our thoughts and prayers.”
• The Claiborne Progress office will serve as a drop-off site for donations of warm blankets, towels, water, bottled drinks, energy bars, non-perishable food, diapers, baby and personal wipes, hygiene items (toothpaste, brushes, combs, deodorant, etc.) pet supplies, coats, gloves and scarves. The donations will be taken to LMU after noon Friday for transport.
• Heritage Christian Academy is asking children to bring in donations Wednesday and Thursday. They will be transporting the donations on Friday.
• Matt Compton with State Farm is taking donations Wednesday morning.
• Hancock County High School is taking donations until 10 a.m. Friday.
• Claiborne Medical Center is collecting bottled water and Gatorade or Powerade.
• Claiborne EMS is collecting water, protein bars, T-shirts, towels and other items. They will deliver items as they are collected.
• Colboch Harley-Davidson is taking donations of “anything you can donate” and it will be delivered to the area. According to their Facebook page, specific needs include bottled water, Gatorade, high protein snacks like granola bars, over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol and ibuprofen, eye drops because their eyes are so irritated, socks and any other clothing items. Donated items will be taken to the delivery sites. They will be open Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
• The American Red Cross is taking monetary donations toward relief efforts. Text “REDCROSS” to 90999 and a $10 donation will be made and will appear on your cell phone bill. You can also go to www.redcross.org and donate or call 1-800-RED CROSS. On #givingTuesday all donations made by midnight will be matched.
Reach Marisa Anders at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @newsgirl88.
