In response to last week’s article on how to assist in the days immediately following the floods caused by Hurricane Helene, we’re sharing additional ways you can help the ongoing recovery efforts. As the floodwaters recede and the extent of the damage becomes clearer, both short-term and long-term support are crucial for affected communities.
Organized rescue organizations have deployed into the North East Tennessee area. Dennis Jones of the Midland Baptist Association has deployed to the Hartford area conducting damage assessments states, “The resilience of the people in the Hartford area is amazing. Neighbors are helping neighbors. Majority of the homes we have initially visited, with significant damage such as mud inside their home, have suggested we visit others in greater need before helping them.”
-Crisis Call Center-
Crisis Cleanup is a collaborative disaster work order management platform that improves coordination, reduces duplication of efforts, improves efficiency, and improves volunteers’ experience.
• Volunteers who are interested in answering calls directly from impacted individuals can email Natalie Frankel at nfrankel@utk.edu to learn more.
• Please note this opportunity involves talking directly to people who were impacted by the disaster. Volunteers are often the first person these individuals will speak to so anyone with experience in crisis management and/or previous experience with call centers/help lines is preferred.
-Volunteer United & Tennessee Serves-
Volunteer opportunities across the impacted areas in Tennessee. Interested volunteer will have to create an account on Volunteer United. Volunteers will be notified once the affected areas are ready to receive volunteers and opportunities are available. There opportunities listed under “Helene Disaster Relief” in Unicoi, Washington, Carter, Johnson and Greene Counties. Please check back daily as the situation changes by the hour. Visit to learn more: https://www.volunteer-united.org/need/index?s=1&need_init_id=12094
Seeing images of disaster may compel you to head to the impacted area, but don’t underestimate the complexity of working in a disaster area. Wait until it is safe to travel to volunteer sites and opportunities have been identified.
If you are interested in volunteering to assist the impacted counties, United Way of East Tennessee Highlands has open volunteer opportunities on their website.
Recovery lasts a lot longer than the media attention. There will be volunteer needs for many months, often years, after the disaster, especially when the community enters the long-term recovery period.

-Greene County-
Anyone interested in working on the long-term recovery effort should contact AIDNET of Greene County by emailing Wendy Peay at wendy@unitedwayofgreenecounty.com
Current Needs & drop-off locations (these will be updated as we get more information about needs in the affected areas):
-Union County Opry-
Drop off locations: Union Discount Pharmacy or The Kitchen Design Center 2945 Maynardville Hwy, Maynardville, TN
Time/day: Monday October 7-11th, 9 am to 7 pm
Items needed: Here are some of the most-needed items: baby bottles, flushable wipes, baby wipes, push brooms, rakes, charcoal, non-perishable food, hygiene products, jugs of water, trash bags, nitrile gloves, diapers of all sizes, baby formula, cleaning supplies, adult diapers, matches, can openers, first aid kits, and disposable paper goods such as cups, plates, utensils, paper towels, and toilet paper.
-Ag Donation Drop –
Location- 230 JFG Coffee Rd, Maynardville. GPS might take you to the wrong house. Follow JFG Coffee Road, down the hill and you’ll see the riding arena, the trailer is parked in the driveway beside the barn. Use the side door to drop donations, please close the door back.
Time/day: Delivery on October 12, call 865-776-3294 or 865-680-8184
Items needed: hay, water, sweet feed, grain, chicken feed, salt and mineral blocks, shavings, alfalfa cubes, buckets, wet/dry dog and cat food, fencing supplies, barbed wire, fence insulators, and t-posts

-Midland Baptist Association-
Location: Midland Baptist Association is accepting donations at Bethel Church 8035 Clapps Chapel Rd, Corryton. There is a yellow trailer, just go in the front door.
Time/days accepting: Every day until the trailer fills
Items: The needed items include hardware such as box knives, flat pry bars, shovels (flat & pointed), rakes, Tyvek suits, wheelbarrows, and floor squeegees. Essential cleaning supplies like large heavy-duty garbage bags, hoses, mosquito repellant, mops, brooms, buckets, and safety glasses are also required. Additionally, there is a need for all types of gloves, box fans, new sheets, backpacks, school supplies, gift cards, and new toys, including crayons and coloring books. Household necessities like toilet paper, paper towels, paper products, plastic ware, new dishes, towels, washcloths, and laundry detergent are also important. Personal care items such as toiletries, new hairbrushes, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, baby formula, baby food, baby wipes, and adult diapers are in demand. New clothing, including underwear, socks, bras, shoes, and general clothing. Finally, Gatorade or other electrolyte drinks, individually wrapped snack foods, and new items for babies and hygiene.

-FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE OFTEN THE BEST KIND OF DONATION TO MAKE-
Providing a financial contribution to a voluntary organization involved in disaster activities is often the most sensible and efficient way of helping people in need.
Cash donations rather than unsolicited donated goods avoid the complicated, costly, and time-consuming process of collecting, sorting, packing, transporting, unloading, resorting, storing, repackaging, and distributing the goods.
Cash donations to voluntary organizations help meet the needs of survivors more precisely, as the voluntary organization is in a better position to purchase, or provide vouchers to purchase, what the people need.
Cash donations to recognized relief organizations are also tax deductible.

-Farm & Forest Families of Tennessee-
The Farm and Forest Families of Tennessee Disaster Relief Fund is a nonprofit and was established to help farm families following natural disasters. Donations to this fund may be tax deductible.
One hundred percent of the money received will go directly to work for family farmers and food related initiatives. The assistance can help farmers rebuild and recover from sustained losses due to Hurricane Helene.
For checks, mail to:
Farm and Forest Families of Tennessee
c/o Mark Turner
PO Box 313
Columbia, TN 38402-0313
(note disaster relief on the check)
For questions, contact Mark Turner: maturner@tfbf.com
For additional donations of agriculture items, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/tema/updates/hurricane-helene/volunteers-and-donatio…
Bristol Motor Speedway will serve as a major donation and collection site, provide workspace for the logistics and search and rescue teams in a central staging area, and also house a regional disaster relief hotline.
Learn more about the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center

The aftermath of a natural disaster is already chaotic, but misinformation can make it even more dangerous, putting lives at risk and complicating emergency response efforts. Tips to avoid spreading misinformation:
Verify information before sharing by checking trusted news outlets.
Be cautious of sensationalized headlines and images that may be misleading.
Look for credible sources—trusted institutions and experts are key in emergencies.
Avoid spreading unconfirmed reports, especially on social media, without reliable evidence.
Cross-check information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
Correct misinformation if you see it, using verified facts and links.
Pause before you share—remember that rumors can spread quickly.