Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee have underscored the importance of community support and volunteer efforts in aiding those impacted by Hurricane Helene. In a recent announcement, they highlighted the resources available for recovery and encouraged Tennesseans to offer their assistance.
Governor Lee expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts between local, state, and federal agencies, alongside volunteers and private partners, in delivering aid to flood survivors. The Governor urged Tennesseans to continue supporting affected families through prayer and active involvement in relief efforts.
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A significant initiative involves the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center, with Bristol Motor Speedway serving as a primary donation and collection hub. Tennesseans interested in contributing can donate items from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, seven days a week.
In a display of philanthropy, Dolly Parton has partnered with Walmart to donate $1 million to the Mountain Ways Foundation, a charity assisting Hurricane Helene survivors in Tennessee. Parton has also committed a matching $1 million contribution from the Dollywood Foundation and local East Tennessee businesses.
First Lady Maria Lee praised the spirit of volunteerism in East Tennessee, noting the crucial role it plays in helping neighbors during times of crisis.
For those looking to volunteer, updated information is available on the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s (TEMA) website. Opportunities range from in-person tasks such as debris cleanup and donation organization to virtual roles like crisis cleanup phone line support.
Monetary and in-kind donations are being coordinated through several organizations, including the East Tennessee Foundation and the United Way of East Tennessee Highlands’ Disaster Relief Fund. Additional details on how to donate can be found on the respective organizations’ websites.
TEMA also provides resources like the Crisis Clean-Up Hotline and the Disaster Hotline for those needing assistance. A list of shelters and information on applying for FEMA Individual Assistance is available on TEMA’s website.
Residents are reminded to exercise caution to avoid scams related to disaster relief efforts, and they are advised to hire only licensed contractors for repair work. Safety tips, including avoiding downed power lines and not entering damaged buildings, are also provided to ensure the well-being of the community.
By coming together, Tennesseans can support the recovery process and help rebuild the affected communities following Hurricane Helene’s impact.
Source: Read Original Release
Federal Aid Approved for Flooded Tennessee Counties
An Expedited Major Disaster Declaration has been approved to provide federal recovery assistance to eight counties in Northeast Tennessee affected by severe flooding. The aid includes various forms of support from FEMA to help with recovery efforts, and residents can apply online or by phone for individual assistance.