My Brief Thoughts on a Horrendous Week of Helene News (Plus, Ways You Can Help)
The last week has been a heart-wrenching one for those of us following the news coming out from our friendly neighbors in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. Scenes from Helene’s damage are inescapable, as mountain communities have been washed away and lives forever altered by the impact from this once in a century occurrence.
What’s inspiring—but not surprising—is the tremendous amount of generosity and support being offered to victims of this devastating event. I have put off writing about this for the simple fact there has been so many different ways you can lend a helping hand, and so many different sites where you can drop off necessities that will go directly to those affected.
I am doing my part the best way I can by dropping off items at a few locations, (more on those below) and by supporting businesses whose proceeds are benefiting these cities and villages. Of course, I am sharing as much information as my spare time allows on Facebook. The questions have been pouring in to my social media accounts by the hundreds—many of them are questions about Gatlinburg. People want to know if it’s safe to come here, and I say…well, please check your route. Gatlinburg is fine, but you may not want to drive an extra 2-3 hours to get here. If you haven’t already heard, I-40—the main east/west route that runs through Knoxville and Asheville—is totally shut down from Mile Marker 3 in North Carolina to Mile Marker 432 going east, and going west, it’s closed at Mile Marker 435. Google Maps will detour you, so that’s the best help I can be.
Don’t be offended if I don’t answer your question. First of all, I may not even see it. However, I do try to answer as many as I can. I don’t feel comfortable being your main source of information, so please, please, please, research if you’re planning to make a trip here in the near future. Again, Gatlinburg was spared, but you may have to take a more scenic route to get here.
Also, getting angry at me for showing Gatlinburg in a positive light will do you no good. People do not want to hear this, but the economic machine has to keep churning for this beautiful town. The same people who have been affected by these floods in nearby Newport also work here in Gatlinburg. Families need fed, bills need paid, so we rely on tourism to earn a good living. Telling people not to come to Gatlinburg is not a well thought out troll plan for those who want to virtue signal from 500 miles away. That still doesn’t excuse the comments from closer to home—which I’ve also received. You’re simply not helping by finger-pointing As the saying goes… if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all, or, in a more direct way… shut your mouth. You’re not helping matters. We should all be coming together in these times, not balling up our fists and yelling at clouds to feel important.
And now, on to the important stuff…
The official tourism page, Visit Gatlinburg, actually inspired me to write this post. They have graciously put up links on their page of places where you can find information and donate. I highly encourage you to please use this as a reference if you want to support the incredible efforts being undertaken to aid flood victims throughout East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. Anything will do for these good folks. Here are the links below.
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
As I’ve mentioned previously, the support and amount of donations pouring in have been absolutely amazing. It is encouraging to see the human spirit melting hearts and strengthening our resolve to support the people who are going to rebuild. It may take years for folks to get back on their feet, but unfortunately, thousands will never get over the trauma of the current situation.
I just hope they know millions of people are thinking of them. I am looking forward to seeing pictures of recovery and restoration—lives, homes, and businesses— from these communities, instead of the sickening images we are being fed daily by the news and social media. It’s why I choose not to share those. I believe I have only shared one or two pictures of road damage on I-40.
Like or not, I am going to promote Gatlinburg, so if you don’t want to see pictures and statements of positive thoughts about my home…well, there’s probably several pictures to the contrary directly under my post on your feed. Please stay off mine. You’re wasting your time.
Thank you for reading and subscribing to my publication. I want to thank you for your kind comments on my social media platforms, and be sure to stay tuned for more news, reviews, and more from my life here in Gatlinburg, Tennessee!
Well said!