Find out how you can help donate to East Tennessee fire victims in need

JACKSON, Tenn — Deadly devastating fires raging in east Tennessee have residents of the Volunteer State springing into action.

Wednesday, several organizations, churches, schools and businesses came together to give back.

“We are collecting things like toiletries, blankets coats, diapers and wipes. All of those essentials they are going to need over the next few days and don’t have access too,” Jackson Christian Middle School Academic Advisor Stefanie Gatlin said.

“It’s taking it back to kindness,” youth minister at North Jackson Church of Christ, Adam Carlucci said.

A charity effort that hits close to home for him.

“Personally, it is important because I grew up on the east coast and for me I was a recipient of generosity by other people after hurricanes and tornadoes would come by,” Carlucci said.

From toiletry to clothing items, you can drop off your donations to various locations across the city.

“You can also drop off at Ronda’s Travel Corner, North Jackson Church of Christ, Four Seasons Nursery and there are other places as well,” Gatlin said.

And they need all types of items.

“Cat food, dog food, diapers and wipes for the little ones. There are a lot of children so they are taking up stuffed animals and things like that as well,” Gatlin said.

“Find the area local drop off and then on Friday and a few people will go around and collect those and will bring those back to the church, pack it into the trailers, vans and whatever we can fit it in and people will take it up to Gatlinburg,” Carlucci said.

And everything helps.

“Every little bit helps, we take for granted a toothbrush but there are people tonight who don’t even have that,” Carlucci said.

For a full list of drop off locations and items needed go to the “Seen on 7” section to get involved.