Before Poetry Society of Tennessee and the Poetry Writer’s Workshop held their monthly PoetTEA open mic event on October 1 at the Philosopher’s House in Johnson City, Tennessee, they invited the community to donate items to support those in northeast Tennessee affected by Hurricane Helene. The gathering not only reminded us that we will get through this together, but yielded donations to help people and pets across the region.

Over two sunny days, a PoetTEA representative dropped off supplies to four locations serving counties across the northeast region. Helene’s destruction was evident along the paths to most locations, but more evident was the heart and grit of our people and of the many who have traveled here to help. Dotting the roads were vehicles carrying linemen, debris, heavy equipment, and relief supplies (often tagged with other Tennessee counties or bearing out-of-state tags).

Area shelters and distribution centers identified such diverse needs as first-aid and emergency supplies, bedding, bottled water, non-perishable food, pet food and supplies, and board games. The centers PST visited are located in a few counties across the affected region, and some are sending donations across county lines to serve the greater community in need, including those in remote areas.

In Carter County

The National Guard was on hand to transport supplies at Hampton Elementary. A line of cars in turn could pick up or drop off supplies at the school’s gym entrance. A grateful and energetic crew of community volunteers quickly loaded and unloaded vehicles with items to help people hydrate, eat and otherwise survive in settings without power or water. The roadways to this location are clear if you are in this area and would like to donate, but if coming through Elizabethton be prepared to detour around a section where bridges are closed.

Carter County schools that were not damaged by storm flooding (Hampton High School was badly damaged) are providing a number of services to community members affected by the storm.

At Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Center, which quickly became part of a growing network of resource centers, pallets of water were being loaded for distribution. The National Guard was on hand at this site as well. An ETSU professor was among the volunteers who quickly loaded donations into shopping carts. The mood was light despite the heaviness of the moment, driven by great gratitude at the community’s generous response.

In Unicoi County

PST member Arch Jones made us aware of Evergreen Free Will Baptist Church in Erwin, Tennessee, where tons of water and other items are being shipped out each day. According to a volunteer, about 12 large truckloads leave each day for locations across the region headed as far as Mountain City and to parts nearer. Smaller trucks are also deploying to more remote areas daily. A group of teens from Knoxville was on hand to help with loading. This shelter accepts emergency and first-aid supplies, water, food, hygiene, bedding and games. To deliver donations you can travel along I-26 from Johnson City and take exit 36 to the site. For your return, exit 37 is open going back toward Johnson City. Be prepared for traffic in the city.

Schools remain part of the services network in this hard-hit community, and the school system therefore will remain closed at least one week following this week’s Fall Break to enable continued services and allow families to attend to other needs at this time.

In Sullivan County

Cherry Point Animal Hospital is accepting a variety of pet supplies to deliver across the region to support our animal friends recover from the storm’s effects. Among the items needed are new or gently used items (leashes, collars, food/water bowls, blankets, dog/cat beds, dog shampoo, brushes and the like) and unopened bags of dog food and cat food. Other area vet offices are also doing this work, so check your area if you are interested in supporting this opportunity.

Other Ways to Help

The needs in the community are great, and there are many ways you can help no matter where you live. Donate to a reputable relief organization. Volunteer at a shelter. Listen to people tell their stories. For poetry lovers in the Northeast region, join Johnson City Poets Collective at The Down Home on October 23 (7-9 pm): bring donations for community members in need and share some of your poems!

The Poetry Society of Tennessee will be exploring other ways to support our communities as recovery continues. We welcome input from members. Email poetrytennessee@gmail.com with ideas.