Helping those in need right now…
Now that Helene and the weather event is past, we are just learning of the impact that the storm caused on both western North Carolina and upper East Tennessee. I have been in contact with several PCA members in the Appalachian Region and the following is an excerpt from one of the messages…
“The devastation is unbelievable, never seen anything this bad before. Power is out and most major roads do not exist anymore.”
Fortunately, everyone that I have been in contact with is fine. I have heard from our Smoky Mountain Region members in Greeneville and they are safe. However, all of that area is without water. The water treatment plant serving Greeneville and the surrounding area is damaged and they likely the area will be without water for the next two to three weeks. Those are our Smoky Mountain Region members.
I met with the EC and Directors this evening and we have decided to take a two-prong approach for support. Overall, our intent is to get support as close as possible to those that need it most. To that end, we want to get supplies to those located in Greeneville and the surrounding area. Originally, we had planned to hold our own food collection drive, but then learned of a food drive being put together by Eurotech Knoxville. Rick and Janis Berry are members of Smoky Mountain Region and kudos to them for being so proactive. As such, we now intend to direct all food collection efforts to them.
For those on Facebook, Janis has already posted their needs and plan. I will summarize it here…
“Eurotech Knoxville – We will be accepting donations for flood victims in Greene County. Our trailer will be set up in front of the shop at 7223 Oak Ridge Highway on Tuesday, October 1 through Friday, October 4.
Items needed include water, containers for water, healthy beverages, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, large trash bags, toiletries, sanitation kits, feminine hygiene items, walkers, canes, blankets, new clothes and shoes, socks, non-perishable goods, baby products such as diapers, formula and baby wipes, pet food, cleaning supplies, flashlights, batteries, gloves, and shovels. So basically, any household items excluding perishable items are needed. These items will be taken directly to those in need in Greene County.”
In addition, Smoky Mountain Region is also making a monetary contribution of $5000. Board members are currently evaluating disaster relief agencies that will provide the most benefit to those that are in need. I expect the next edition of Smoke Signals will provide more information with regard to who that agency is.
Time is of the essence and we did not want to delay our support debating where to direct monetary support. Rest assured that our intent is to get support closest to those in need.
Please remember that those that need our support include our members. Please be proactive and grab those items that are desperately needed and take them to Eurotech Knoxville by Friday.
Thank you in advance for your compassion and support.
Bob