Our hearts go out to all impacted by this weekend's deadly storms. While we are thankful for no loss of life locally, we mourn with our neighboring counties and states for their losses. Here at home, we know there are areas in our county with severe damage and we are working with officials from the City of Hendersonville, one of the hardest hit areas in Sumner County, to coordinate efforts for storm cleanup and other needs.
Here's how you can help with the most immediate needs:
1. The City is in need of volunteers to help with tree limb cleanup. If you have a pickup, trailer, etc., the greatest need is for volunteers to collect and haul away any piles of limbs from the areas of Walton Ferry Road, Sanders Ferry Road, Elnora Drive, Luna Lane, Rebecca Drive, Cherokee Drive, and Ballentrae subdivision. Please avoid taller piles and avoid interacting with large city trucks. Volunteers can take tree limbs only (no trash) to the mulching facility at 502 Forest Retreat Road in Hendersonville which will be open this week from 6:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. every day. Any trash/debris can be left curbside for pickup. No volunteers are needed in other areas at this time. This will allow large City vehicles and NES trucks to access neighborhoods with more significant damage to remove larger trees and repair downed power lines. Call the City of Hendersonville at 615-822-1000 and ask for Erica Miller or Debbie Trisdale for more information, if needed.
2. To help with the increased need in our region, you can donate blood. TriStar Skyline will be hosting a blood drive Monday, December 13, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. TriStar Greenview in Bowling Green, Kentucky will also be hosting a blood drive from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m on December 13. You can go to bloodassurance.org to make an appointment and to see other Blood Assurance locations.
3. Fortunately most residents can access their belongings. For those who need help, Hendersonville Samaritan Center has resources available. Additional donations of clothing, toys, and/or household items are not needed at this time.
If you or someone you know has been displaced by the storms or is in need of assistance:
1. If you still have no power and need a safe/warm place to stay, there are emergency winter shelters available in the region.
a. Call 615-862-6391 or text "Nashvillewinter" to 84483 to be notified when a shelter is open. You can also go to www.coldweathernashville.com. Shelters typically open for 12 hours starting at 7pm and include hot meals and showers. You must wear a mask. Kennel space is available for dogs.
b. The American Red Cross is hosting a shelter at Hendersonville Church of Christ, 107 Rockland Rd, Hendersonville, TN 37075 which is open 24 hours. Call 615-824-6622 for more information.
2. You can also call the Hendersonville Samaritan Center for assistance at 615-824-7105. They provide emergency assistance and may be able to help you with temporary overnight accommodations if you have been displaced by the storms. They also have clothing, food, and household items available for families in need.
3. If you need assistance with property cleanup such as tree/limb removal, please contact the City of Hendersonville at 615-822-1000 and ask for Erica Miller or Debbie Trisdale.
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