The Red Cross of East Tennessee is urging supporters to continue giving.
#GivingTuesday is ending, but you can still help us help #wildfire and other TN disaster victims by donating: https://t.co/z15uszldNs. pic.twitter.com/intcHyENxm
— Red Cross East TN (@RedCrossEastTN) November 30, 2016
A wildfire fueled by wind gusts of almost 90 mph has burned over 15,000 acres of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and tourist attractions, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, according to reports on Nov 29.
This has led to three reported fatalities, many injuries, and over 14,000 evacuees fleeing from their homes to safe areas including shelters set up by organizations like the Red Cross.
And its still not contained.
The fire is still not contained and emergency crews continue to work through their second night straight to stop deadly fires burning in Sevier County, as of 12:10 am on Nov 30.
Officials are asking for prayers and support for the worst fire that Tennessee has seen in over a 100 years.
For those who would like to help, the Red Cross has a few suggestions:
“After a disaster, communities and families turn to the American Red Cross for help—and we stand ready to provide comfort and care—free of charge,” Devry Dennis, Regional Communications & Marketing Program Manager at Red Cross, East Tennessee told DIVERGE.
“In the immediate aftermath, we focus on providing safe shelter, feeding victims and emergency workers, providing emotional support, providing first aid and health services, and distributing emergency relief supplies such as comfort kits and cleaning supplies,” she added. The Red Cross also plays a critical role in helping families and communities get back on their feet in the weeks and months after a disaster.”
Supporters can also send monetary donations to the Red Cross to purchase exactly what is needed for a disaster operation. To donate, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Tennessee community is also rallying together for show their support.
First Tennessee Bank announced that their foundation will match up to $50,000 for those displaced in Gatlinburg, with donations going to Red Cross.
A local McDonalds tweeted “our store on 321 Parkway in #Gatlinburg is closed, but we will be serving food at no charge to workers and evacuees who come by!”
The Red Cross is also sharing other tips on social media:
Share that you are safe:
Are you a #TNwildfire evacuee? Or are you a loved one of an evacuee? Find each other by registering on Safe & Well: https://t.co/jMvQQiaoy3 pic.twitter.com/tbLcbKzlq1
— Red Cross East TN (@RedCrossEastTN) November 29, 2016
Shelters that are still open:
3 #RedCross shelters, where 1,200 #wildfire evacuees spent last night, are still open: https://t.co/Tl1gD1j3z3 #Gatlinburg #PigeonForge pic.twitter.com/FkmoufABY3
— Red Cross East TN (@RedCrossEastTN) November 30, 2016
What to donate and where:
#Gatlinburg #PigeonForge #Wildfires donation information – list of drop-off locations and accepted items: https://t.co/ZCTVgvEM5V pic.twitter.com/aSU10tcJXy
— Red Cross East TN (@RedCrossEastTN) November 30, 2016
The Community Foundation of Gatlinburg has also launched a relief fund.
