Outpouring of local support shown for flood victims
JACKSON, Tenn.—Several agencies united to support community residents affected by Hurricane Helene.
Jackson Fire Department, Jackson Energy Authority and Serra of Jackson were outside of Serra’s showroom taking donations from West Tennessee residents to show their compassion and support for Hurricane Helene victims.
Since 10 Saturday morning, the community dropped off donations on Serra’s lot.
Volunteers from the fire department and JEA helped residents remove the items from their car and load them onto the truck.
“We asked for specific donations from the public and the public came through for us again. It’s really awesome. Humbling, but yet awesome to see the City of Jackson and the surrounding counties work together for a common goal and the good of our neighbors,” said Chief Don Friddle, Jackson Fire Department.
Chief Friddle told us that the fire departments truck will leave on Monday morning.
“We’re going to go to Bristol Speedway where they have a regional distribution center set up. We’re gonna get this over there, get it unloaded and get it into the hands of the folks that need it,” Chief Friddle said.
Serra also donated a truck to use just to ensure there was enough room for all of the items.
All of the volunteers agreed that it takes a community to solve a need.
“Jackson communities, you know, we’ve experienced natural disasters ourselves, so we see the need. Being able to work with the Jackson Fire Department and Chief Friddle, it’s just been amazing. If we have an opportunity to help our community and we can help our neighbors, then that’s where we want to be and what we want to do,” said Matthew Coffman, JEA Superintendent of Mass Communications.
JEA will deliver their load to Mountain City which is a small community northeast of Knoxville.
“One of the unique things is that they have an animal shelter that needs pet supplies, dog food and cat food. So that’s one of the items that we asked for that we’re taking. Cleaning supplies, you know, just to get them in the process of rebuilding and help them get back to normal,” Coffman said.
JEA also has a crew right now in East Tennessee working on restoring electricity.
“I’ve been in those situations and when you lay eyes on some of the people in need. It really kind of drives it home to you,” Coffman said.
“It’s time for people to come together for a common cause. This is a terrible, tragic situation but the goodness of people still exists and it’s evident,” Chief Friddle said.
Donations ended Saturday evening at 5.
Chief Friddle gave a shout out to the firefighters who volunteered and supported.
He also said he was appreciative of the strong relationships that have been built while collaborating with Serra and JEA.
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