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Response to Hurricane Helene – Relief Efforts

Updated: 11/13/24 at 10:00am

Please note that while we add information as we receive it, this list is not exhaustive of all volunteer needs and donation sites. This list will be updated as more opportunities are communicated to us.

Current Volunteer Information for the UTK Campus

  • The JCLS has set up an ongoing volunteer sign-up page on ServeUTK.
    • We are collecting information for those interested in volunteering for various relief efforts over the coming weeks and months. This is an interest form to share one’s interest in learning about service opportunities as they are identified.
    • As specific needs are identified, the JCLS will conduct outreach to interested volunteers on ways they can serve through coordinated relief efforts.
    • By signing up for this ongoing event, folks are not signing up for a specific shift, date, or service site.

TEMA Flash Reports

Get up-to-date information from TEMA on impacts & Relief efforts for affected counties.

View TEMA Flash Reports

TEMA Donation Information

On the main page, scroll down to see requested donations for East Tennessee.

View Donation Information

Information on Direct Service Opportunities

In the immediate aftermath of disasters, agencies have limited volunteer opportunities. However, as time goes on, areas will need assistance in rebuilding. Below is a list of how to find volunteer opportunities in the affected areas (there might not be any active needs for a general volunteer right now but keep checking back).

Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center (Bristol Motor Speedway)

Samaritan’s Purse

American Red Cross

Region A.H.E.A.D. 

Mercy Chefs Volunteer 

Hurricane Helene Community Support Hub has a list of volunteer opportunities available.

Appalachian Service Project

Impact Missions

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.
  • TN VOAD

Information for Donating Goods

At this time, most donation centers have stopped accepting donations and have shifted to distributing goods. Please consider direct service or monetary donations.

Information for Donating Funds

Additional Ways to Support

In the immediate aftermath of disasters, people come together to help and support each other. To make the most of your contributions, it’s important to follow guidelines for donating and volunteering responsibly. The below tried and true best practices will give you a starting point on how you can help volunteer or donate responsibly for Hurricane Helene efforts.

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.

USED CLOTHING IS RARELY A USEFUL ITEM TO COLLECT FOR DISASTER RELIEF.

  • Used clothing is rarely a useful item to collect and send into the disaster area because it is hard to clean, sort, pack, transport, store, and distribute.
  • Mounds of clothing take up valuable warehouse space and frequently end up being discarded. 

CONFIRM WHAT IS NEEDED BEFORE TAKING ACTION! 

  • The most effective way the public can assist is to support the experienced disaster relief organizations with either financial contributions or in-kind goods and services that the organizations report are needed.
  • Many experienced voluntary organizations involved in disaster relief have toll-free numbers staffed with operators who can provide information about which donated goods are needed in the disaster area.  
  • It is often a mistake to assume what is needed in a disaster.
  • Donors should be wary of anyone who claims that “everything is needed” in a disaster.
  • Get precise information before collecting any donated goods. 

DONATE THROUGH A REGISTERED ORGANIZATION. 

  • It is never a good idea to collect goods for disaster relief without a firm plan in place that confirms the goods are needed, who will receive the goods, how the goods will be transported and how they will be distributed.  
  • During a disaster, experienced disaster relief organizations base their activities on overall situation assessments and detailed needs assessments.  
  • Many relief groups have people and facilities ready to store and distribute the goods. 
  • Coordination with the relief group is essential to ensure the right goods are collected, the right amount is collected, and that logistics issues such as transportation, warehousing, and distribution are fully discussed.
  • Donors will find that it is often most practical to focus on one or two items that an organization needs rather than collect a variety of items. 

DONATED GOODS MUST BE WELL-PACKED AND LABELED. 

  • After confirming that the goods are needed and there is a plan to receive, store, and distribute them – the receiving organization will give you instructions about how the goods should be sorted, packaged, and labeled.  
  • Specific content lists should be taped to the side of each box.  This allows the receiving officials to determine the contents of the box without opening it, thereby allowing for a more timely distribution.  

  • 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 official UTK channels or 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. 

This information is provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD). For more information about FEMA, go to www.fema.gov and for National VOAD, go to www.nvoad.org.

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