ETSU Response
Wildfires have impacted over 700 structures in Sevier County, Tennessee and have resulted in the loss of life, injuries and an overwhelming response of support from the East Tennessee community to support our neighbors.
We ask members of the ETSU community to notify us if you or other ETSU community member have been affected by completing a CARE Report. Student Affairs will follow up with the individual with information on help and resources:https://etsu-advocate.symplicity.com/care_report/index.php/pid391752
Gatlinburg information and resources
How to Help
mountaintough.org - The official website for Sevier County and Great Smoky Mountain Recovery Efforts. A one stop shop for those needing assistance, those wanting to provide help and support, the media, and for ongoing updates.
WBIR TV (Knoxville) is maintaining an up-to-date site with information on how to assist.
American Red Cross
By Mail - Complete donation form and mail to: American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839
Online - Visit www.redcross.org/donate
In Person - Pigeon Forge Fire Hall Station 1, 3229 Rena Street, Pigeon Forge, TN
Text - Make a $10 donation by texting "REDCROSS" to 90999.
Tennessee Secretary of State message on donating wisely here.
Citizens National Bank: City of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg & Sevier County Fire Relief Fund, 200 Forks of the River Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862, (865) 453-9031
Dollywood Foundation MY PEOPLE FUND, 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, (865) 428-9606
Smart Bank Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg Relief Fund, PO Box 1910, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868, or text pfg to 91999 to donate
VOLUNTEER: Register for recovery volunteer opportunities here.
Supply Distribution
Sevier County has received an overwhelming amount of donated items. A distribution center opens on Thursday, Dec. 1 off the Parkway, Pigeon Forge in the former Boyds Bear facility at 149 Cates Lane. The facility will be staffed and open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Any Sevier County resident or visitor who was affected by the wildfires is encouraged to visit the distribution center. City officials kindly request that no new donation collection efforts begin until the current supply is reduced and additional storage space becomes available.
Support Services
The ETSU community should be aware of support services for those students, faculty, and staff who may have been affected by this disaster.
The ETSU Counseling Center provides personal counseling for students, as well as outreach and referrals. Students may access the ETSU Counseling Center at (423) 439-4841. The Counseling Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. The Bucs Press 2 service is available 24/7 by dialing (423) 439-4841 and pressing 2 for a counselor.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a resource for faculty and staff members who need counseling support and referral to other resources.
Student Organization Efforts
Community Service Programs, housed within the Student Organization Resource Center ( SORC), is serving as a clearinghouse for student response efforts. For more information, you may contact serve@etsu.edu.
Kappa Delta Sorority is hosting a drive for needed items to benefit victims of the wildfires in Gatlinburg and Sevier County.
Toys, coats, shoes and school supplies may be brought to the Kappa Delta chapter room, located in room 108 of Buccaneer Ridge, Building B, 520 Treasure Lane, through Thursday, Dec. 8. Members will be on hand Tuesday, Dec. 6, between 4-6 p.m.; a drop box will be available outside the door at other times.
Kappa Delta member Kennedy Brandenburg, who is from Gatlinburg, is spearheading this effort on behalf of the Gamma Delta chapter. She says her father, a first responder, has indicated that coats and shoes are particularly needed. She has also heard from teachers who say school supplies are needed for children who lost their homes in the fires.
Brandenburg will personally deliver the items to the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce following finals week. Items may also be brought at the beginning of the spring 2017 semester. For more information, call Brandenburg at 865-617-7888.