Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Lynn J. Richardson
Star Correspondent

Relief efforts are continuing following the devastation dealt to Carter County and the surrounding region in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The command center for all official donations and pickups of goods is at the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Center, located at 300 Mill St. in Elizabethton. Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Director David Nanney is overseeing the daunting task, which is growing with each passing day. He is being assisted by Pastor Todd Hallman of First Baptist Church Elizabethton, who is serving as volunteer coordinator.

The volunteer spirit is alive and well in Northeast Tennessee, with over 200 volunteers giving their time and talent at the center, organizing donations and providing the community with much-needed goods.

In addition to the official donation and drop-off location at the Parks and Recreation Center, there are several other sites throughout the county providing for those in need. The list below is as complete and up-to-date as possible. The Elizabethton Star welcomes details of new relief centers and services offered. Please contact the Star at 423-542-4151 to be included.

Here are the current locations throughout Carter County that provide help, accept donations, and distribute food and goods:

• Elizabethton Parks & Recreation Center
  300 Mill St., Elizabethton
  Official Donation Drop-Off/Pick-Up Location
  Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for donations of bottled water, dry shampoo, adult body wipes, toilet paper, canned food, can openers, baby formula, and diapers. Please do not donate used items.
• Hampton Elementary
  408 US-321, Hampton
  Distribution site
• Little Milligan Elementary School
  4226 US-321, Butler
  Distribution site
• First Baptist Church of Roan Mountain
  8498 US-19E, Roan Mountain
  423-772-9424 or visit fbcroanmountain.com
  Immediate needs include boxes, reusable shopping bags, canned goods, corn, green beans, soup, ravioli, beef stew, jelly, peanut butter, saltines, bread, and pet food. Help is needed to organize donations and prepare meals.
• Hampton/Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Department
  423-725-3500
  Station 2, 3867 US-321, Elizabethton
  Offering water, food, and paper items
• The Altar Fellowship
  2733 Elizabethton Hwy., Elizabethton
  Open as a day center offering power, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, food, and support, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• TLC Community
  145 Judge Don Lewis Blvd. #7, Elizabethton
  Providing shower facilities
• Stoney Creek Volunteer Fire Department Station #2
  150 South St., Elizabethton Distribution center; needs bottled water, baby diapers, baby formula, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable food
• Elizabethton Elks Lodge
  1000 North Sycamore St., Elizabethton
  Pick-up and drop-off of essential needs
• Operation Blue Roof/Army Corps of Engineers
  888-766-3258
  Provides and installs tarps for free to cover damaged roofs until permanent repairs can be made.
• ARM – Assistance and Resource Ministries
  714 West C St., Elizabethton
  423-542-0919 | armfoodpantry@armfoodpantry.com
  Distribution center, Oct. 1–5, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Needs include: flashlights, water, trash bags, batteries, medical gloves, hygiene products, shampoo, body wash, soap, deodorant, rubbing alcohol, band-aids, unopened in-date Tylenol, ibuprofen, adult and children’s diapers, wet wipes, charcoal, lighter fluid, medical equipment (walkers, canes), gas cans, gift cards, cleaning supplies, pet food, toilet paper, toiletries, pop-top canned and non-perishable food.
• Elizabethton High School
  907 Jason Witten Way, Elizabethton
  Emergency Evacuation Center
  Provides displaced individuals with meals, showers, and cots. Park in the student parking lot, and a staff member will check you in at the gym entrance.
• Carter County Emergency Management Agency
  Billy Harrell, Director
  525 South Sycamore St., Elizabethton
  harrellb@cartercountytn.gov | 423-542-1888
• United Way of East Tennessee
  President and CEO: Leslie Dalton
  Community Impact Coordinator: Abraham McIntyre, 423-220-1235
  Community Outreach Coordinator: Kim Schlager, 423-543-6975

Other distribution sites, as published by the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce, include:

• Happy Valley High School
  121 Warpath Lane, Elizabethton
• Butler Depot
  114 Piercetown Road, Butler