Helene struck the Southern Appalachians nearly three weeks ago. The destruction happened in a matter of hours, but the clean-up and rebuilding process will take much longer. To help, the League’s Northeast Tennessee Chapter of Credit Unions is offering disaster relief grants to Tennessee credit union employees and volunteers impacted by Hurricane Helene.
The Chapter has already given 33 disaster relief grants to Tennessee credit union employees. These grants, valued at $500, are instrumental in helping employees recover from the horrific devastation.
“Some of the stories we have read express how being out of power has caused folks to lose all the food in their fridge and freezer, and the need to purchase extra gas for their generators,” said Vicki Gobble, chief financial officer at Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union and treasurer of the Northeast Tennessee Chapter of Credit Unions. “Several individuals have experienced damage to their homes and autos from flood water, downed trees and power lines. Ultimately there have been some that lost their home, auto and all of their personal possessions. These are just the “material” impacts of this storm. The impacts on their families and the community are not so easily described.”
Vast swaths of the landscape throughout Northeast Tennessee are unrecognizable. Helene’s heavy rains not only caused flooding but also brought landslides to the mountainous terrain.
“I’ve lived in East Tennessee for 46 years with several of those years having been in Unicoi County and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Randel Taylor, director of digital banking at Eastman Credit Union and president of the Northeast Tennessee Chapter of Credit Unions. “It’s been heart-wrenching to see what is happening in our community. We just hope that by supporting credit union staff we provide some hope and relief to them from everything that’s going on. It’s an honor to do this and help where we can.”
The Disaster Relief Fund’s structure allows the Northeast Tennessee Chapter of Credit Unions to quickly distribute grants to those in need.
“Personally, to have the privilege of playing a very small part to assist our credit union families is an honor,” said Vicki. “We must all commit to being here to help them as the needs continue over the next few weeks, months and years.”
The Disaster Relief Fund helps exemplify the credit union philosophy.
“I’m proud of our credit union community for stepping up to support our employees and board members in Northeast Tennessee affected by Hurricane Helene,” said Fred Robinson, president and CEO of the Tennessee Credit Union League. “In times of unexpected disasters, it’s heartening to see how credit unions embody the spirit of ‘people helping people.’ Thank you for your unwavering generosity and for exemplifying the unity and compassion that define the credit unions of Tennessee.”
How to Donate
Did you know that high elevations of East Tennessee received snow this week? As temperatures drop, cold-weather supplies are now needed. We encourage you to consider donating to the Disaster Relief Fund. All contributions benefit Tennessee credit union professionals who have been affected by Helene.
