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In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Tennessee’s community colleges and TCATs have united in a statewide effort to provide essential aid to Northeast Tennessee residents affected by the storm’s devastating aftermath. Through a coordinated initiative led by the TBR – The College System of Tennessee, over 14,000 cases of bottled water have been collected and distributed to assist those in need in Northeast Tennessee.

“As we witnessed the overwhelming generosity of our communities, it became clear just how essential our colleges truly are in times of need,” said TBR Chancellor Flora W. Tydings. “No matter the circumstance, Tennessee’s community colleges and TCATs stand ready to support one another and their local communities.”

The statewide mobilization saw numerous colleges acting as central hubs for water donations, including TCAT Morristown, TCAT Elizabethton, Walters State Community College, and Northeast State Community College. These colleges, alongside their students, faculty, and staff, have played a critical role in delivering aid to those impacted by the hurricane, with many using semi-trucks from their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) truck driving programs to transport and deliver the donations from across the state.

“What has been especially heartwarming is to watch our community colleges and TCATs come together and work tirelessly and simultaneously to pick up, transport, and deliver bottled water from one college to another throughout the state in order to get it to the college distribution sites as efficiently as possible,” said Chancellor Tydings.

Walters State served as both a collection point and distribution center while also utilizing its culinary program’s food truck to serve meals to storm victims and volunteers in Greene and Cocke counties. Faculty, staff, and students unaffected by the storm have actively participated in these relief efforts, embodying the spirit of community support.

And at Northeast State, students affected by the hurricane can receive relief supplies such as water, food, toiletries, and much more thanks to donations from all across the state and through their College Aid in Response to an Emergency Situation (CARES) relief fund. Northeast State also set up a dedicated Flood Response and Relief webpage to connect students with resources in the wake of this disaster.

The bottled water drive also highlights the importance of collaboration with industry partners who have generously contributed to relief efforts. For example, distribution and fulfillment company Essendant donated an overwhelming 22 pallets of bottled water to TCAT Oneida last week, who then delivered the water to the heavily affected college community at Walters State. Many other colleges can echo a similar story of local business partners donating selflessly to help their college communities. These partnerships underscore the dual role colleges play – not only in student success and workforce development but also as pillars of community support during times of crisis.

In addition to bottled water donations, financial support continues to be vital in sustaining these relief efforts. Contributions to the Foundation for the College System of Tennessee’s Flood Relief Fund are providing immediate aid and essential supplies to those affected by the disaster in Northeast Tennessee. Every act of generosity plays a vital role in the recovery of our communities.

The following colleges in Northeast Tennessee have set up flood and hurricane relief funds where you can donate to assist their students, faculty, and staff affected by the aftermath of the hurricane:

– Northeast State Community College Flood

– Walters State Community College

– TCAT Elizabethton

– TCAT Morristown