While many here in Tennessee have been dealing with their own storm cleanup, Tennesseans were still helping those impacted by Harvey in Texas.
Multiple posts online have talked about people wanting to fill up tractor-trailers with donations and drive down to the disaster area, but sometimes, that kind of help just isn't helpful.
Officials said it’s best to not rush down to Texas with those items. Instead, contact someone who’s there, so they can ask those in charge and let you know the best time to send items.
Bottom line: be smart about sending in-kind donations. The same issue was seen in East Tennessee during during the wildfire when local officials were bombarded with items they didn't need during the recovery period of the disaster.
The effects of Harvey won't be felt for just another week or month. The disaster will cause pain for a long time to come, so the best way to help right now is to make a monetary donation to a legitimate organization.
“Ten dollars feeds one survivor a whole days' meals,” said Lt. Alyssa Haygood of the Salvation Army. “Thirty dollars provides a hygiene kit and a cleaning kit for a home that needs to be cleaned out after the flood. One hundred dollars feeds 125 people snacks for the day and hydrates them.”
To learn more about donating, click here.
