October 29, 2024 — Johnson City, TN — In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which left devastating flooding across Northeast Tennessee, United Way of East Tennessee Highlands has announced a special allocation of $220,000 to assist children and families as they navigate the recovery process. These funds are specifically aimed at helping children in the region as they return to school, ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need after the disaster.
The funds have been allocated to several organizations working directly with children and schools across the affected counties, helping to replace essential school supplies, clothing, and other necessities lost in the flooding. This initiative underscores United Way’s ongoing commitment to aiding communities in times of need. All donations given to the United Way of East TN Highlands Emergency Relief Fund stay in Northeast Tennessee. No administrative fees will be taken out of this fund. 100% of donations will support those affected by Hurricane Helene.
“Disasters like Hurricane Helene often leave families struggling to rebuild, and children are especially vulnerable during this time,” said Leslie Dalton, CEO of United Way of East Tennessee Highlands. “Through this funding, we aim to help children regain a sense of normalcy by ensuring they have the essentials they need to return to school and continue their education. The road to recovery is long, but we are committed to walking it with our community.”
This funding milestone also comes as the United Way of East Tennessee Highlands Emergency Relief Fund surpassed the $1 million mark. Significant contributions to help the fund reach this mark include a $50,000 donation from the Ford Foundation, a generous gift from the Outlaw State of Kind Fund by Chris and Morgane Stapleton, and a $75,000 contribution from ExxonMobil. These donations, along with many others, are enabling the United Way to provide ongoing support to the region’s hardest-hit areas in Northeast Tennessee.
The allocations directed to children:
- 4thirTEEN ($10,000) – Serving Carter, Johnson, Greene, Unicoi, and Washington counties. The organization has been actively involved in collecting and distributing donations to flood victims, while also providing a safe space for teens to discuss mental health needs and access meals.
- Coalition for Kids, Inc. ($10,000) – Serving Unicoi and Washington counties. The organization has shifted personnel to disaster relief centers, where they are providing backpacks filled with basic needs and comfort items for children.
- Carter County Schools ($10,000), Cocke County Schools ($10,000), Elizabethton City Schools ($5,000), Greene County Schools ($10,000), Johnson County Schools ($10,000), Unicoi County Schools ($10,000), and Washington County Schools ($10,000),– Each of these school systems will use the funds through the “Emergency Fund Fit for Success” program, aimed at addressing the disaster-related needs of children and their families.
- Little Milligan Elementary ($5,000) – Serving as a distribution center in Carter County, providing essential donations such as food, water, hygiene products, and clothing to affected families.
- Sequoyah Council Scouting America ($5,000) – Serving Carter, Hawkins, Johnson, Greene, Unicoi, and Washington counties. Scouts have been actively involved in disaster response, assisting with cleanup efforts, providing meals for aid workers, and supporting families who lost their homes.
Home and Organization Repair
- Holston Habitat for Humanity ($75,000) – Serving Carter, Unicoi, and Washington counties. The funds will be used for critical home repairs such as roofs, HVAC systems, and electrical work, helping families rebuild their homes.
- Loaves and Fishes Outreach Ministry ($50,000) – Serving Carter County. The ministry is focused on repairing their buildings and replacing shelving destroyed by the flood, enabling them to continue providing essential supplies, meals, and support to the community.
The United Way of East Tennessee Highlands is dedicated to supporting local recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and will continue to work closely with community organizations to ensure families and children are not left behind during this difficult time.
To volunteer in the relief efforts, visit Volunteer-United.org.
To donate to the Emergency Relief Fund of United Way of East TN Highlands, visit UnitedWayETNH.org/help
To see where all the donations have been allocated to date and the generous donors who have contributed to the fund, visit UnitedWayETNH.org/donation-impact
For more information, please contact: United Way of East Tennessee Highlands Phone: (423) 220-1229
Email: ldalton@unitedwayetnh.org
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