ELIZABETHTON — The only antidote to a flood’s devastation is an overwhelming tide of generosity.
Don Owen, leader of God’s Warehouse Ministries at the Nolachucky Baptist Association, reports that their warehouse has received an astounding 34.6 million products for disaster relief efforts since Hurricane Helene struck in September 2024.
“They’ve not come from the government, but from people, churches, associations as far away as Arkansas, Wyoming, Illinois, Texas, Florida, and even Canada. That’s generosity,” Owen told the B&R.
The compassionate response has been widespread. In just the last week, 322 churches have collectively donated $1,975,741. According to Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief (TBDR) financial records, five of the top ten contributing churches are from Middle Tennessee, demonstrating support extending beyond the affected East Tennessee region.
Individual donors have also stepped forward in remarkable numbers. TBDR has received 1,289 personal donations in the past weeks, totaling $735,894. One anonymous benefactor contributed $177,000 worth of trailers and campers to shelter families who remain homeless.
Kaye Thomas, volunteer coordinator for TBDR, confirms they’ve already provided housing through seven campers for displaced families this week alone.
While volunteers have completed 112 repair jobs in the past week, 68 repair projects still await attention as recovery efforts continue.
HOW TO HELP
Those interested in serving as disaster relief volunteers for TBDR can contact Wes Jones (wjones@tnbaptist.org), Garry Maddox (gmaddox@tnbaptist.org) or Elizabeth Holmes (eholmes@tnbaptist.org).
Donations to Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief can be made online at tndisasterrelief.org/contributions. B&R
