Help for Covenant Health Employees and Others Affected by Area Wildfires

The tragic wildfires in our area have affected many people, including employees at Covenant Health’s LeConte Medical Center and Sevier County residents who work at other affiliates and departments of Covenant Health. We have received an outpouring of support and requests for ways to provide assistance for these individuals, for which we are appreciative and deeply grateful. If you would like to make a contribution to support our employees’ housing, food and other immediate needs, here are several opportunities:

For employees of LeConte Medical Center Make checks out to LCMC Employee Fire Assistance Fund and mail to: Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation, 744 Middle Creek Road, Sevierville, TN 37862. Online donations can be made at www.drthomasfoundation.org . Inquiries about giving to this fund can be directed to Debbie Dowling with the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation by calling 865.446.9627.

For other Covenant Health employees affected by the fires Make checks out to Covenant Family Cares Fund – Fire Assistance and mail to: Fort Sanders Foundation, 280 Fort Sanders West Blvd., #202, Knoxville TN 37922. Online donations can be made at www.fortsandersfoundation.org .

General assistance for residents of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and surrounding areas Financial contributions can be made out to the Gatlinburg & Sevier County Relief Fund and sent to Citizens National Bank, 200 Forks of the River Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862.

Dolly Parton has initiated the “My People Fund,” which will provide $1,000 per month for six months to those who have lost their homes because of the wildfires. Contributions will be distributed by the Dollywood Foundation. To learn more and to donate, visit http://dollywoodfoundation.org/ .

Volunteer opportunities: Volunteer East Tennessee is organizing volunteers to assist with relief efforts. Visit www.volunteeretn.org to learn more or sign up to participate.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (TN VOAD) have set up a call center to provide information for those who would like to donate goods or volunteer to help survivors. Call 1-866-586-4483 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

THANK YOU for your interest in supporting Covenant Health employees and other wildfire victims throughout Sevier County.