Nashville and central Tennessee were ravaged by tornadoes early Tuesday morning (March 3). According to NBC News, deaths occurred in four counties (at the time of post, the death toll was at 24), many people were injured and thousands lost power.
Nashville and surrounding areas are in very bad shape and desperately need your help. Whether you’re able to donate monetarily (no amount is too small) or you’re wanting to volunteer, here’s how you can help no matter where you are.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Hands on Nashville: Hands on Nashville is working hard to collect a list of people ready to get their “hands-on” volunteer opportunities following the tornado. According to their website, they’ll be helping “Davidson and surrounding counties.” Sign up to volunteer here.
Gideon’s Army: We just learned about Gideon’s Army and are so impressed with the relief work they’re doing. They’re accepting volunteers as well as long term monetary donations. You can donate here and see the needs they have for victims updated on their Facebook page daily.
Samaritan’s Purse: Samaritan’s Purse is traveling to Mt. Juliet, Cookeville and Nashville to help with relief efforts. They’ll be sending out three different crews to the locations. Sign up to volunteer with them here.
Mt. Juliet Police Efforts: The Mt. Juliet Police department has created a volunteer portal to collect those interested in cleaning their city. They’re using this portal to make sure volunteers are actually aiding in the relief efforts and not getting in the way of emergency crews. If you’re interested in helping Mt. Juliet, sign up here.
Second Harvest: Find out how to donate to Second Harvest below but you can also sign up to volunteer with them.
Donate to:
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee: The Community Foundation has activated their Emergency Response Fund and they need our help. According to their website, “grants from the Fund will be made to nonprofits providing vital services both immediate and long term. Our work helps free nonprofits up to concentrate on delivering vital services while we ‘connect generosity with need’ and our community sets out to rebuild lives.” No donation is too small. You can donate here.
Nashville Humane + MACC: We can’t forget about the fur babies following this horrific natural disaster. Nashville Humane Association and MACC are working hard to help through emergency shelter and supplies. They’re also helping lost pets find their way back home. Nashville Humane is updating its list of needs regularly via Facebook. Find out how you can help here (there are also ways to volunteer/foster if that’s more your style).
Nashville Tornado Response Fund: Generous just created this fund with money going to the Red Cross, Second Harvest Food Bank, Hands on Nashville and the Salvation Army. Their goal is $5,000 and you can donate here.
United Way: United Way has an easy way for you to donate monetarily. They’ve activated their Restore the Dream Fund to support victims. Donate via text to this fund by sending RESTORE20 to 41444.
The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is staying on the frontlines of this disaster thanks to donations. They’re providing food, water and services to those affected. Donate here.
Music City Inc.: This is the 501c(3) charitable foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. To help this fund, you can donate in a number of ways. They’re accepting money via PayPal, Venmo and even through check. Find out more here.
Second Harvest: As always, Second Harvest is working diligently to help those who need food. According to their website, just $1 provides four meals! You can donate here.
The Donelson Fellowship: They have also created a relief fund and are accepting donations here.
Red Cross: If you want to donate to the American Red Cross, you can do so through their website. Make sure you select the appropriate tab under “I Want to Support” and also remember they are accepting blood donations!
Shop:
Project 615: Project 615 has once again stepped up to help the tornado victims. They will donate 100% of the profits from the Nashville Strong tee to the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund by the Community Foundation of Middle TN to aid in disaster relief. Shop here.
@NashvilleTN Store: Grab a We Believe in Nashville shirt and 100% of proceeds will be donated to nonprofits working to help tornado victims. Shop here.
Do you know another way to donate your time or money? Please leave them in the comments below. If you’d like to donate to an individual directly, check out this page on Facebook. Under “requests,” people are leaving their current needs from clothes to food and even pet supplies. Send them a message and help them in whatever way you are able.
