HURRICANE HELENE DISASTER RELIEF
Our hearts are with all those impacted by Hurricane Helene. We encourage the Ocoee Region to consider donating as communities recover and rebuild. This list of local ways to help will be continually updated.
United Way Worldwide
Working with more than 20 impacted United Ways to collect monetary donations to support immediate relief and long-term recovery.
United Way of East Tennessee Highlands
Donations directly benefit neighbors in Carter, Washington, Johnson and Unicoi counties (Southeast TN).
United Way of Greene County
Donations directly benefit neighbors in Greeneville, Tennessee and throughout Greene County (Southeast TN).
Volunteer Tennessee Disaster Services
Local partners will post service opportunities on the Tennessee Serves Volunteer Portal as they become available.
Blood Assurance
Collecting blood, platelet and plasma donations for victims.
Donations may be made locally at Blood Assurance (201 Keith Street SW, Suite 19, Cleveland) from 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Monday through Friday).
Food City
All Food City locations are accepting monetary donations for disaster relief funds at checkout through October 12. 100% of all the funds collected will benefit the United Ways of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia as they work to provide relief from the catastrophic flooding.
Publix
All Publix locations are accepting monetary donations for disaster relief funds at checkout. No end date at this time. Donations collected will support nonprofit organizations, including the American Red Cross, United Way and the Florida Fund, enabling them to help people recover from the disaster.
Operation Compassion
Collecting and distributing supplies to victims of Hurricane Helene throughout Southeast Tennessee and Western North Carolina.
Donations may be dropped off at the Operation Compassion Headquarters at 1120 Urbane Road NE in Cleveland, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday).
Click for a List of Items Needed
Best Buy Metals
Collecting toiletries, canned goods or other non-expired non-perishable food items at all Tennessee and Georgia locations, including BBM's Headquarters at 1652 South Lee Highway in Cleveland, to serve areas in need.
Locate a Best Buy Metals Store
American Red Cross Tennessee Region
On the ground helping people who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Go to redcross.org/shelter to find a shelter or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) if you need assistance - 24 hours a day. Red Cross is accepting monetary donations, providing local shelters and helping community members locate loved ones.
Special Event to Benefit the American Red Cross - October 26
Jenkins Deli and the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce are hosting a 5-Alarm Chili Cook-Off and Corn Hole Tournament from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 26 at Jenkins Deli in Cleveland. Cook-Off teams include local first responders, live music provided by The Collins Brothers, and corn hole will feature 12 teams (double elimination) with prizes for first ($200) and second ($100) place. All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross for disaster relief.
Open to the public - donations will be accepted to taste and vote in the chili cook-off. $50 entry fee per cornhole team - register your team here: https://clevelandbradleychamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/15811
Wholesale Supply Group
Collecting cases of water for flood victims in Northeast Tennessee and Western North Carolina. Drop off at any Wholesale Supply Group location, including at 885 Keith Street in Cleveland.
Wholesale Supply Group Locations
Excel Property Management
Collecting non-perishable food items and bottled water for Hurricane Helene victims in Western North Carolina. Drop off location: Sanda Mills Lofts Office at 140 Edwards St. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (Sara Kilduff - contact).
Elder's Ace Hardware
Until October 20, round up your purchase to the nearest dollar at Elder's Ace Hardware in Cleveland and every cent will go toward the local Salvation Army's disaster relief fund (with Elder's adding extra support).
Governor Bill Lee - State of Tennessee Resources
General Information: Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)
Volunteer Information: Maria Lee's Tennessee Serves Website
Donation Information: East Tennessee Foundation, United Way of East Tennessee Highland's Disaster Relief Fund, United Way of Greene County
In-Kind/Supply Donation Information: Bristol Motor Speedway is now serving as an East Tennessee hub for material donations
Read More: Cleveland Daily Banner (10/12/24): Opportunities for Tennessee to Serve Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene