KNOXVILLE (WATE) - The American Red Cross is providing disaster relief following storms that pounded East Tennessee Thursday night. Officials estimate the cost in the thousands of dollars and they're accepting donations.
The Red Cross opened a shelter in Townsend Thursday night at Tuckaleechee United Methodist Church during the storm response in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Thirty-eight people stayed there overnight.
Local Red Cross volunteers have also responded to residents of multiple East Tennessee homes damaged by falling trees in different counties.
They will determine the residents' needs and offer food, shelter, clothing, counseling and referrals to other community resources.
Three cooling shelters are open - in Knoxville, Pigeon Forge and Jefferson City - as long as the need is present.
Red Cross officials are estimating the cost to provide disaster assistance due to the storms and heat.
Public and corporate donations to help meet those expenses will be appreciated, said Sandy Matheson, chief development officer for the East Tennessee Region.
"We are not funded by the government," Matheson said. "We depend on the generosity of the American public to continue our work. We welcome and are truly grateful for any donations our communities would like to make."
Donations made be made at the Red Cross website.
They may also be mailed to:
American Red Cross
6921 Middlebrook Pike
Knoxville, TN 37909
