Press release from effort organizers:
On Thursday, 8 December 2016, local citizens from Mills River and the surrounding areas are planning to caravan to Sevier County to bring supplies and volunteer with the Sevier County Rescue Squad to help unload, sort and deliver donations to families impacted by the recent wildfires in Sevier County, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Our primary goal is to bring over people to help in this effort. We will be meeting at the Ingles in Mills River at 530 AM, and departing at 6 AM. A portion of the group will be returning to Mills River that evening. Right now, we are looking for
-People interested in helping with loading and unloading
-People interested in sorting supplies and organizing warehouses
-People interested in bringing their personal vehicles to help deliver supplies to families.
While we primarily need people to help, SCRS is still taking donations. We are trying to keep in constant touch with them to best meet their immediate needs. At this time, we are bringing a quantity of infant and toddler clothing, supplies, toys and baby furniture. However, SCRS has requested the following items as well:
-Shelving: Warehouses have plenty of space, but they are organizing on pallets. Any kind of shelving- home, industrial or otherwise- is needed.
-Socks and Undergarments: They tell us there is a need for all ages & genders in this category.
-Clear and mesh backpacks: Sevier County Schools require these for elementary students, and there is a severe shortage. We’re not sure where to find these either, but perhaps you do!
Donations can be dropped off any time between now and the end of the day Wednesday at Mills River School at 94 School House Road in Mills River.
What we really need to bring to Sevier County is hearts and hands, and that’s the best thing we have here in Mills River. If you have any additional questions, please access the following resources:
Helping Out TN Facebook Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1784283048512582/Coordinating Travel and Volunteers:
Phillip Brown, French Broad Valley Farms
828-551-0901
frenchbroadvalleyfarms@gmail.com
Jennie Case Sealey- 828-335-3833Coordinating Donations and Drop Offs
Chad Auten, Principal, Mills River School- 828-891-6563
Linda Brittain, Mills River Farmer’s Market- 828-318-6938
Thank you For Your Support!
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