On Saturday, Dec. 9, 13 tornadoes ripped through middle Tennessee, carving a path of destruction through Nashville and surrounding areas. In Nashville, an estimated 22 structures collapsed because of the storms, and countless others were damaged. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) estimates that 91 homes were destroyed in Montgomery County. Families across Madison, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Clarksville and other communities are recovering from damage and clearing the wreckage as the holidays approach.
If you know someone who needs help finding shelter or addressing other needs after the storms, contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS. Nashville residents can request assistance or find ways to give back via nashvilleresponds.com. The need is great, and there are plenty of opportunities to help communities and residents affected by the storms.
Volunteer
Those wishing to volunteer in person can visit Hands on Nashville for ongoing needs, including accepting and sorting donations and packing donation kits for distribution to affected residents. If you don’t see an immediate volunteer opportunity, check back in the coming days for new needs. Clarksville, which was hit particularly hard by an EF-3 tornado, has set up a volunteer hotline at (931) 245-2988.
Donate
The following organizations are collecting funds and physical items to help with tornado relief:
- The United Way of Greater Nashville is raising funds for needs in Davidson County.
- The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee hosts the Tennessee Emergency Response Fund, which will direct assistance to communities outside Davidson County.
- Community Resource Center is collecting monetary donations as well as tornado relief items and Christmas giftsfor Sumner county families. View the list of needs here.
- The Salvation Army is seeking to deliver meals, hydration and emotional support for those who were affected by Saturday’s tornadoes. Donations can be made here.
