ETSU Response
December 2021 Severe Weather and Relief Efforts
Severe weather that struck multiple areas over the weekend caused significant loss of life and devasting damage in at least four states. Multiple injuries and fatalities have been reported across Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Illinois. Rescue and relief efforts are currently underway. If you would like to support these efforts, please review the information below.
Ways to help
- Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund is a fund set up by Kentucky’s Governor to directly assist the victims of the deadly tornados.
- The American Red Crosscurrently has volunteers out assisting in all of the impacted communities. They are manning several dozen evacuation shelters across several states. Emergency assistance is available to individuals whose homes were destroyed or majorly impacted. For more information, please contact the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also donate monetarily, or give blood to the American Red Cross.
- CARE, an international aid organization based in Atlanta, is providing water, food, shelter and cash assistance to families.
- The United Way branches in the affected areas have also set up donation funds for the victims. You can also donate items to these foundations (such as generators, charging stations, other basic needs).
- The Salvation Army is providing up to 20,000 meals a day to victims in need. They are also providing victims with mobile laundry, a mobile shower, and a bunkhouse. If you would like to donate to the Salvation Army, you can do so on their website.
- Feeding America is providing ready-to-go meals for victims of the storms. They need monetary donations to continue this effort.
- GoFundMe has launched a hub of verified fundraisers where proceeds will go to survivors and relief efforts.
How to avoid charity scams
- Check out any organization seeking donations through the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, the Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or Guidestar.
- Ask questions on how and who will benefit from your donation. Resist pressure to give on the spot.
- If you are asked for a donation through text or email, contact the charity or nonprofit directly to verify the request.
- If you give through an app or website, ask if it is going directly to the organization.
- Don't assume a social media or blog recommendation has been approved by the nonprofit.
- Avoid giving cash.
- Always try to get a receipt for your donations and ask if it is tax deductible.
- If a paid fundraiser asks you for a donation, ask how much is kept by the fundraiser and how much goes to the nonprofit.
ETSU Support Services
The ETSU community provides support services for students, faculty, and staff who may have been affected by this disaster. The ETSU Dean of Students office is reaching out to offer to support and assistance to students who have home addresses listed in the counties impacted by the floods.
The ETSU Counseling Center provides personal counseling for students, as well as outreach and referrals. Students may access the ETSU Counseling Center at (423) 439-3333. The Counseling Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Telehealth/Zoom services are also available. The Bucs Press 2 service is available 24/7/365 by dialing (423) 439-4841 and pressing 2 to speak to a counselor.
Student veterans who may have questions or need support are welcome to reach out to the ETSU Veteran’s Affairs office.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a resource for faculty and staff who need counseling support and referral to other resources.
Student Organization Efforts
Leadership and Civic Engagement, housed within the Ronald and Edith J. Carrier Center, is serving as a clearinghouse for student response efforts. For more information, you may contact serve@etsu.edu