East Tennesse Wildire Relief
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SEVIERVILLE, TN – A toothbrush, a clean comfortable sweatshirt, a hug, a prayer. On a normal day, you might not even think about these basics. But for survivors of Tennessee’s worst wildfire in 100 years, today is no ordinary day. Today, "just the basics," is a lifeline, a reminder of normalcy.
The Salvation Army has a long history of swift and meaningful response to disaster situations. Part of the success comes from the holistic approach to meeting the needs of survivors and responders alike.
Today, as wildfires continue to burn, The Salvation Army is on-hand to provide Emotional and Spiritual Care to the thousands of residents who have been displaced by forced evacuations and left homeless by the fires.
Access to much of the flame’s destruction is still closed off to residents and relief agencies alike. Even with the increased access of Salvation Army response personnel, the reach is limited. However, trained Salvation Army staff and volunteers are where the people are; offering a prayer, a hug, a knowing smile, and a word of encouragement.
The Salvation Army has also teamed up with several Knoxville-area Walmart stores including those in Maryville and Alcoa to provide items for basic needs (hygiene items, non-perishable food, season-appropriate clothing, etc.) to the wildfire survivors. Donors can shop for, purchase and leave these items at their local Walmart; The Salvation Army will pick them up for distribution.
In times of disaster, monetary donations are preferred. Your monetary gift allows us to meet the specific, and ever-changing needs in the course of disaster response. This also provides for an infusion into the crippled economic system at the same time. As always, 100% of the funds raised through the link below will be used for the Sevier Co. wildfire relief.
KNOXVILLE, TENN. – The Salvation Army’s Knoxville Area Command has mobilized its disaster response unit (Canteen) to serve the areas of Sevier County affected by Monday’s wildfire near Gatlinburg. The unit is operating out of the organization’s Sevierville location.
Knoxville Area Commander, Major Todd Smith is overseeing The Salvation Army’s relief efforts. In a statement he said, "We’re calling on everyone to pray for all of those impacted by the devastating wildfires in Sevier County. Many of these impacted communities will take months or even years to recover. The Salvation Army is committed to being there with them throughout and providing aid wherever it’s needed.”
The Salvation Army is on the ground providing beverages and snacks as well as Emotional and Spiritual Care to those affected. Salvation Army leadership is working with TEMA and local Emergency Management Agencies to identify the needs of the survivors and assist them in any way possible. Additional mobile response vehicles and trained teams are on stand-by, ready to activate if necessary.
As needs are assessed, The Salvation Army encourages cash donations that will help provide food, water, and other necessities in the initial response while adding to the local, impacted economy.
Donors are encouraged to give online at www.SalvationArmyKnoxville.org or by calling 1-800-Sal-Army. Please designate donations for “Tennessee Wildfire Response” so 100% of designated gifts are used to provide relief for wildfire survivors.
There are several websites with up-to-date information on The Salvation Army’s relief efforts following these deadly wildfires: www.facebook.com/knoxredshield, www.twitter.com/knoxredshield and www.SalvationArmyKnoxville.org