CULLMAN – Local organization Karma in Cullman is coordinating relief efforts for victims of the fires in Gatlinburg.
"Karma in Cullman is working on gathering items to aid in relief efforts for Gatlinburg, Tennessee," said Karma in Cullman Founder Rachel Bryant. "We have a truck going Sunday morning. We are needing bottled water, hygiene products, diapers, wipes, clothing, formula, coats, blankets and anything you feel may help these people in their time of need."
Karma announced the effort on Monday morning, and the response was overwhelming. So overwhelming, that the City of Cullman and the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce stepped in to help.
“We had a truckload dropped off before we closed,” said Bryant. “Saturday, we are setting up in the breezeway by the Chamber so it is easy to find and drop off. We got approval from the mayor and chamber as support of the effort, which is great!”
Until Saturday, items can be dropped off at the Karma in Cullman office located at 785 Alabama Highway 157 near the intersection of 69 and 157. On Saturday, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., donations can be delivered to Chamber at 301 Second Ave. SW in downtown Cullman.
"For many, this is a family vacation tradition and some it is a family home," said Bryant of Gatlinburg. "Please help us reach out to our neighbors and friends to the north in their time of need."
Donations may also be made directly to the Red Cross of East Tennessee. Do so by texting "Red Cross" to 90999 to make a $10 donation or visit http://www.redcross.org/local/tennessee/local-chapters/east-tennessee.
“It's the people willing to donate…they are the rock stars,” Bryant said.
Suggested donations:
- Bottled water
- Gatorade (PowerAde)
- Protein bars
- Snacks for elderly and children
- Baby food
- Formula
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpastes
- Deodorant
- Shampoo
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Coats
- Underclothes (New)
- Clothing (Clean or new)
- Eye drops
- Chapstick
- Pet food
- Pet carriers
Other local organizations taking donations include:
- Fancher Education and Tutoring Services, located at at 811 Second Ave. SW in Cullman
- She Laughs Ministries in Eva. Contact Brooke Roden Williams on Facebook.
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Photo: Jessica Tezak / AP
