Smoky Mountain wildfires: How to help
Published 6:30 am Friday, December 2, 2016
- Smoke rises from the remains of the Alamo Steak House Wednesday in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, after a wildfire swept through the area Monday. Three more bodies were found in the ruins of wildfires that torched hundreds of homes and businesses in the Great Smoky Mountains area.
The devastation surrounding sudden wildfires that descended over the Smoky Mountains this week is still being assessed, with a death toll of at least 10.
Many Southerners with fond memories of vacations and fun times spent in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Dollywood are rallying to send aid to the mountains. While information on how to help is scarce, there are ways to assist.
No local organizations have yet to say they are collecting donations of food and clothing, but Lisa Johnson of the American Red Cross North Alabama chapter said they are working to send monetary resources to their sister chapters in Sevier County. This money will be used to purchase disaster recovery supplies for wildfire victims.
Johnson said those wishing to make monetary donations can mail a check to Huntsville or make a donation online and the money will be sent directly to Tennessee. If writing a check, make sure to note it’s for Tennessee wildfire relief in the memo bar, Johnson said. Checks can be mailed to American Red Cross North Alabama chapter, 1101 Washington St., Huntsville, AL 35801.
Online donations can be made at https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.
For physical aid, Johnson recommended contacting United Way of Sevier County.
“There will be a lot that will need to be done as people look to us and other agencies for help,” officials with United Way of Sevier County wrote in a statement. “In times of disaster, it’s good to know you have neighbors who will take your hand and stand with you through your darkest night.”
The following message was also posted on their website:
“A Central Command Center has been established at Rocky Top Sports World in order to coordinate ongoing relief efforts. To volunteer or to donate please call 865-430-7384 or toll free 866-586-4483.
Donation supplies can be taken to the old Boyd’s Bear barn location at 149 Cates Lane, Pigeon Forge TN. Open 9 a.m.- 4p.m. Monday thru Saturday; 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday. They need Volunteers, please call 865-804-1661.”
United Way of Sevier County is also coordinating financial donations. Visit www.uwosc.org to donate directly to fire relief. Donors can also visit SmartBank.com, where donors can designate funds for Gatlinburg wildfire relief.
