Katrina Recovery
I have been greatly impressed by the overflow of generosity and kindness that Sevier County residents and businesses have bestowed upon the Hurricane Katrina victims. In such a drastic and unexpected catastrophe, the government simply cannot fix everything immediately, and that is where the regular United States citizens must come together to help. In the face of devastation, suffering and despair, the American people can offer a small part of their lives to begin to restore hope and relieve some of the pain that Katrina victims are entrenched in.
Disturbed by the helpless plight of Gulf Coast neighbors, Pigeon Forge locals have been collecting money and items for donation and the volunteers of the United Way and Red Cross agencies have been working tirelessly to help people in New Orleans and Mississippi.
Students have been collecting cans of peanut butter and other supplies to send down to Louisiana and Mississippi. A local woman personally traveled, using personal savings, down to Mississippi, bringing supplies and buying mattresses and blankets and other necessities so people could have a place other than soggy ground to sleep on. Six-year old children are even getting involved! Young Kassidy Archer has helped raise $850 by starting the “Pennies for People” fund drive to help Katrina victims. Her cousins in Mississippi and friend Bekah in Florida spurred her to action.
I was happy to see local businesses joining the relief efforts as well. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que ( http://www.bennetts-bbq.com/ ) devoted 100% of their sales one day, totaling $28,515.81, to the American Red Cross Gulf Coast relief efforts. Alpine Mountain Village and The Father’s House church have initiated a “30 Days of Hope” program to house displaced families and help them settle in the area by finding stable housing and permanent jobs. Hurricane Katrina Refugees can come to Sevier County and get 30 days of temporary housing, food, supplies and clothing and help finding permanent employment and housing. Many more businesses are helping out as well. Banks have donated funds, theaters are donating funds and giving free tickets to refugees to provide some hearty entertainment for weary spirits, restaurants are hosting free meals, salons are giving free cuts, styles and washes. The community has really come together with one goal, to serve fellow Americans in need.
It has been said by a French philosopher, “there are two things that pierce the human heart, beauty and affliction.” The onslaught of hurricanes Katrina and now Rita across the Gulf Coast has demolished the entire region, leaving chaos. Despite the tragedy and loss, the human spirit has not been crushed. Beauty has triumphed through, and in part because of the great affliction. One such example is New Orleans evacuee Liese Dettmer, singer, songwriter, producer. Self-taught during her college years, Liese is now staying with her parents in Sevier County, playing her music every Friday night at Starbucks on Highway 66 through October. Her goal is to keep the New Orleans musical culture alive as well as help raise more money for hurricane relief. The performances are free, yet Red Cross donations are greatly encouraged.
Comments
It is so great to read about the considerate people who still live in Sevier County! Sometimes it seems as though Pigeon Forge and its surrounding areas are simply focused on their tourism economy, but this story is a wonderful reminder that this community and the rest of Tennessee abounds with volunteer spirit. We don't have to win every football game for me to want to yell, "It's great to be a Tennessee Vol!".
Posted by: Katherine | September 25, 2005 03:28 AM
Hello,
My family and I live in Louisiana, We was effect my the Hurricans after working and putting our home , and friends home back together ,I save enough to bring my family to dollywood we never been there I was wondering Where is a good Cheap place to stay & any good tips to save money
Thanks
Diane prinetree04@yahoo.com
Posted by: Diane Prine | February 28, 2006 12:00 PM