CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Overwhelmed by donated clothes, supplies and toys, FEMA is asking people to stop sending unsolicited goods to Clarksville tornado relief sites, and to make financial donations instead.
“The generosity of the public following the Dec. 9 severe storms is helping affected communities to begin recovering from this disaster,” FEMA said in a news release. “However, an outpouring of donated items can quickly exceed the needs of the affected communities, requiring supporting agencies to redirect manpower from providing direct services to managing donated goods that may not meet survivors’ needs.”
For that reason, the State of Tennessee is asking people to stop sending unsolicited goods, and to instead send money through appropriate charity groups.
“The most effective way to support disaster survivors’ recovery is to make tax-deductible financial donations to trusted voluntary-, faith- and community-based charitable organizations. This gives them the ability to purchase, or provide vouchers for, what survivors actually need,” FEMA said.
“In addition, when these organizations or survivors purchase goods or services locally, they pump money back into the local economy, helping businesses recover faster.”
How to donate
To ensure your financial donation is used responsibly, only donate to reputable organizations. Here are some state and local resources to do that:
- Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster listing of trusted organizations: tnvoad.org
- United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region is the primary local donation agency.
- YAIPak Outreach and Manna Cafe Ministries have been significant responders during the tornado relief effort.
- Screaming Eagle Foundation is collecting donations at www.screamingeaglefoundation.org. Funds will be donated through the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce for use in support to the community.
- Austin Peay State University is collecting donations to help their students, faculty and staff who have been affected by the storm. Donations may be given through http://givetoapsu.com/GovsEmergencyFund,
- Salvation Army donations can be sent through HelpSalvationArmy.org, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or by mail to The Salvation Army, PO Box 436437, Louisville, KY, 40253 – please put December 2023 Middle Tennessee Tornadoes on your memo line.
- American Red Cross is collecting monetary donations at redcross.org.
Help from FEMA
In Montgomery County, 1,594 tornado survivors have registered for help with FEMA as of Thursday afternoon.
FEMA has received 542 requests for home inspecetions in Montgomery County, and as of today 73 percent have been inspected. “This number will always change due to many survivors are waiting to hear what their insurance will pay on the property damage,” said Paul Corah with FEMA.
As of Thursday, $545,000 in FEMA money has been released to survivors in Montgomery County.
Survivors should register with FEMA regardless of any insurance claims, Corah said. “If a survivor later finds out that they are uninsured, they may miss the opportunity to apply for a grant to make up the difference in what the insurance paid out. After 60 days, a survivor can no longer apply for assistance from FEMA.”
FEMA representatives have set up at the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library, 350 Pageant Lane. Their hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications. Storm survivors may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured disaster-related expenses.
