KNOXVILLE, TN- Several counties in East Tennessee are beginning recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene brought downpours and flooding into the area.

Counties in East Tennessee were hit hard, including Cocke County, Unicoi County and Greene County, among others. The flooding has destroyed property and infrastructure, meaning people are without incredibly important resources like water.

For those who are able, FEMA and TEMA, as well as local businesses and governments, are taking donations to help people.

TEMA works with the Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (TNVOAD) to organize volunteer efforts. It’s important to note that volunteers are appreciated, but should organize efforts through official means rather than self-deploying. This, because heading into an unknown disaster area can be unsafe, creating more harm than good.

Those interested in signing up to volunteer time can do so here. TNVOAD is also taking monetary donations. In an update Monday afternoon, TEMA requested that people make monetary donations or follow local organizations who are asking for specific items.

Locally, here’s a list of donation efforts happening in the Knoxville area and across East Tennessee:

Ripley’s – Pigeon Forge Welcome Center

Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

1950 Parkway

Bottled water
Pre-packaged snacks
Baby food
Baby formula
Diapers
Baby wipes
First Aid supplies
New socks and underwear
Clean towels and blankets
Laundry detergent
Pet food
Kitty litter
Hygiene items
Knox County Government – Engineering and Public Works

Financial contributions can be made here. Second Harvest representatives reiterate that giving money is the most effective way to help.

136 Harvest Lane in Maryville

Loudon County Justice Center

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday

12680 Highway 11 in Lenoir City

Non-perishable food
Snacks
Ready-to-eat meals
Bottled water
Toiletries
Soap
Detergent
Hand sanitizer
Disinfectant
Q-tips
Combs
Hairbrushes
Shampoo
Conditioner
Diapers
Baby wipes
Formula
Baby food
Rash cream
Dog food
Cat food
Cat litter
Rags
Mops
Brooms
Scrub brushes
Garbage bags
Plastic buckets
Shovels
Rakes

Pigeon Forge Police Department

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday

2986 Teaster Lane

Buckets with lids
Tarps
Shovels and rakes
Trash bags
Work gloves
Masks
Hand Sanitizer
Disinfecting wipes
Diapers
Bottled Water
Baby formula
Prepackaged snacks
Can openers
First aid supplies
Personal hygiene items
New socks and underwear
Clean towels and blankets
Laundry detergent
Pet food
Kitty litter

Story courtesy of WVLT