KNOXVILLE: Community Rallies to Support Pets Affected by Hurricane Helene
It’s been an eventful couple of days here in KNOXVILLE as the community comes together to support not just people, but also their furry friends who’ve faced challenges following Hurricane Helene. As the rain pours and winds have battered parts of our beloved East Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is urging local residents to help out by donating animal-related supplies. It’s a great example of how we can all come together during difficult times, and it speaks volumes about the strength of the human-animal bond.
Support from the University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine has stepped up as the leading organization for collecting vital supplies needed by our neighbors in need. Dr. Marcy Souza, who serves as the associate dean for Outreach and Global Engagement at the veterinary college, mentioned, “Our college is committed to our partnership with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to support the people and animals in counties affected by Hurricane Helene.” Isn’t that just heartwarming?
How You Can Help
If you’re wondering how you can lend a hand, it’s quite simple! The college will be accepting donations at the east end of Brehm Animal Science Arena located on the UT agricultural campus at 2506 River Drive, Knoxville. They’ve set specific days and times for drop-offs to streamline collection:
- Wednesday, October 2: 2-6 p.m.
- Thursday, October 3: 5-7 p.m.
- Friday, October 4: 2-6 p.m.
Just follow the signs when you get there! If these times don’t work for you, don’t worry—additional drop-off times may be added, so keep an eye out.
What’s Needed?
Here’s a quick rundown of the items that are being requested:
- Dog or puppy food: dry or canned
- Cat or kitten food: dry or canned
- Food for small pets: including rabbits
- Cat litter
- Grain/Pellets for livestock: this includes horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and chickens
- Square bales of hay: no round bales please!
Remember, helping our furry companions is just as important as helping their humans. By donating these essential items, you’re making a direct impact on the lives of animals and their owners who are dealing with the aftereffects of this natural disaster.
Additional Resources
If you or someone you know needs help or information regarding the aftermath of the floods, the UT Institute of Agriculture has put together some resources to guide you. You can find more details about recovery and support by visiting their dedicated page. It’s comforting to see institutions stepping up in times of need!
Staying Safe and Prepared
As we continue to navigate through these cloudy skies, it’s crucial for everyone to stay safe and take care of one another. Let’s remember, every little effort counts, whether you’re donating supplies or spreading the word. Together, we can help our community bounce back—both for our families and our four-legged companions.
Stay tuned for updates on how the supply drive is going and if additional drop-off times are announced. Let’s keep that spirit of community shining bright in Knoxville!
