As your are aware, on Monday evening the towns of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge changed forever. A devastating and rapidly moving wildfire tore through our sleepy communities causing loss of life, loss of primary residences, loss of businesses, and loss of second homes.
The loss of life and property has been tragic.
Since that time, our community has experienced incredible assistance from neighboring communities an outpouring of love nationwide.
Are you looking to help families who lost everything and are struggling by making a financial donation? We recommend the following vetted organizations (local) who are helping our local community get back on its feet:
Dollywood Foundation
This non-profit has committed to provide $1,000 per month for at least six-months to any permanent resident who experienced a catastrophic loss of their home. The aid will be available to all residents who owned or rented and were impacted by the devastating fire.
Gatlinburg Relief Fund
The Gatlinburg Relief Fund has been established at SmartBank. Donations can be made online, dropped off at any location, or mailed to:
Gatlinburg Relief Fund
SmartBank
P.O. Box 1910
Pigeon Forge, TN 37868
Are you looking to lend a hand? We can use the help! Here is a great site that is spearheading those efforts:
TEMA
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (TN VOAD) have set up a call center to provide information for those who would like to donate goods and volunteer to help survivors. For a list of the most-needed items, please visit http://mypf.social/pfdonationneeds. The call center is staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; the phone number is 866-586-4483.
Volunteer East Tennessee
This site is spearheading an organizational effort for volunteers wanting to help us on the ground.
We greatly appreciate your volunteer efforts and financial assistance as we work diligently to build back our community.
Thank you for remembering our emergency workers, community, and people who lost everything in your thoughts and prayers.
