First, please STILL stay out of the Gatlinburg area. First responders are still trying to clear roads from downed trees and power lines. The Red Cross is not accepting any volunteers that are not Red Cross Trained. Upon last known update, a curfew was being imposed in Gatlinburg between the hours of 6pm to 6am.
If you have new items you would like to donate and don't have a way to get it there, let us know. We can schedule a pickup in the Union County, Anderson County, and North Knox County areas. The persons delivering our items will be going up on Friday, Dec 2nd.
If you still want to volunteer, Volunteer East Tennessee is working to connect volunteers to volunteer needs.
Visit https://www.volunteeretn.org/DisasterRecovery
They will be able to assist you in finding the best place for your skills.
Monetary Donations are being requested as a priority. A relief fund for Gatlinburg has been setup at SmartBank locations.
Monetary donations can be dropped off at any SmartBank or mail donations to:
Gatlinburg Relief Fund
SmartBank
P.O. Box 1910
Pigeon Forge, TN 37868
For more info, call (865)453-2650
The American Red Cross are still requesting monetary donations.
If you live locally, you can drop off monies at:
The Pigeon Forge Fire Hall Station 1 at
3229 Rena Street in Pigeon Forge
OR
If you want to donate online, please visit:
https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation
OR
Text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Monetary Donations to assist displaced families and those who have lost their homes in Pigeon Forge can be made at any Citizens National Bank branch. Please mark donations as "City of Pigeon Forge Fire Relief Fund"
The Sevier County Humane Society is also requesting monetary donations for their animal medical fund and the equipment they need for their emergency shelter location.
Please visit the Sevier County Fairgrounds to make a donation:
754 Old Knoxville Hwy, Sevierville
For other types of donations:
1) Remote Area Medical -
Donations of Gatorade and water to distribute to shelter centers.
Items can be delivered to:
RAM headquarters
2200 Stock Creek Boulevard, Rockford
Pick ups can be arranged.
Please call (865)579-1530
Donated goods will be taken to the LeConte Medical Center and theVolunteer Fire Department
2) Knoxville Expo Center -
Accepting donations of tooth brushes, tooth paste, water, baby wipes, dog food, kennels and more. Drop off located at:
5441 Clinton Highway, Knoxville.
Call (865)686-3200 or (865)919-8114 for more info
3) First Red Bank Baptist Church -
Hygiene items in particular requested for families that are staying at the church.
2120 Summerfield Ln, Sevierville
4) Boy Scouts -
Collecting grooming items, pet supplies, blankets, gloves and non-perishable food items through Friday, Dec. 2.
Drop off 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at:
1333 Old Wisegarber Road, Knoxville
5) Stages West -
Drop off location specifically seeking the following: baby diapers of all sizes, adult Depends, hand sanitizer, baby formula, and non-perishable snacks.
2765 Parkway, Pigeon Forge
6) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -
Accepting donations beginning 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov 30th.
Requesting Gift cards (in any dollar amount) for families that need to purchase clothing.
Also requesting toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, mouthwash, comb, brush, soap, shampoo, body wash, disposable razors and wet wipes.
Drop off at:
400 Kendall Rd, Knoxville (behind West Town Mall)
7) Sevier County Rescue Squad -
Collecting water and Gatorade for firefighters. Drop-off at
1171 Dolly Parton Pkwy, Sevierville
8) Smoky Mountain Outdoor Center -
Accepting donations of batteries, water, Gatorade, toiletry items, work gloves, shovels, rakes and dust masks.
209 Wears Valley Road, Townsend
9) Meadowbrooke Kennel - is taking in dogs from the evacuation area.
1811 Holston Road River Road, Knoxville
And many more!
Check out:
https://www.wbir.com/mb/news/local/how-to-help-gatlinburg-pigeon-forge-fire-evacuees/357810685
https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/tennessee/2016/11/30/get-smokies-strong-t-shirt-help-gatlinburg-fire-victims-rebuild/94683212/
https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/tennessee/2016/11/29/want-help-fires-wake-heres-how/94597964/
Nov 30, 2016 - Noon TEMA update:
https://www.tnema.org/news/tema/?p=2732
Blessings,
Robin and Timothy
