OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — Colder weather is settling into East Tennessee and many are bundling up during those chilly temperatures.
But for those impacted by Hurricane Helene, dealing with colder temps may prove to be more difficult. Some local organizations are working to provide warm blankets and clothing to those who may need them in those counties.
Chris Russell, a Senior Electrical Engineering Technician with the City of Oak Ridge and former lineman, has been delivering donations from Oak Ridge community members to those impacted, but he said blankets and clothing aren't the only things they need.
He said he goes into wooded areas where there is no electricity, so what these people need is a long-term solution.
Some organizations are working to provide space heaters and other heat sources, but without electricity that can be difficult.
Russell said these communities need manpower to help work on the specific needs of each area. Volunteers from the area would be ideal since they already know their way around.
Sorting donation boxes is also something Russel said is helpful. When donations come in they often are miscellaneous, which means people have to take the time to separate them into cohesive groups for distribution. If more people volunteer for things like sorting, more people could be freed up for other jobs.
When it comes to donations from other cities, the City of Oak Ridge is continuing to take donations until Oct. 17th and the next distribution is on Friday Oct. 18th.
You can find more information on donations here.