ETSU Steps Up in Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts with 800 Meal Donation to The Salvation Army

Johnson City, TN – In a remarkable display of community support, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) has provided a critical donation of 800 meals to aid The Salvation Army’s disaster response efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The storm left significant devastation across East Tennessee, and as needs continued to grow, The Salvation Army was faced with the challenge of delivering meals to hard-hit areas without sufficient sources for food.

"With such a need for meals in the areas throughout northeast Tennessee, The Salvation Army was in a bit of a snag on Tuesday. We had the ability to deliver meals, but needed to source them from somewhere," said Major Brooks Gilliam, Incident Commander for The Salvation Army's disaster response. "ETSU stepped up big time to support their community today."

The meals were prepared by Sodexo, ETSU’s food service partner, under the leadership of Executive Chef Beau Gerarde. Dr. Michelle Byrd, Dean of Students at ETSU, emphasized the university’s long-standing commitment to supporting the local community.

"Since its inception in 1911, East Tennessee State University has been committed to improving the quality of life for the people of the region and beyond. Central to this mission is the belief that people come first," Dr. Byrd said. "This donation of 800 meals from our food service partner, Sodexo, is part of our Bucs Rebuild Together initiative, the university's coordinated response to the devastation from Hurricane Helene in the region."

The donation was split into 400 lunches and 400 dinners, which were distributed in Mountain City, a hard-hit area in Johnson County, about an hour northeast of Johnson City. These meals provided vital support to families who are still grappling with the aftermath of the storm.

Feeding Locations for October 2
In response to the growing need, The Salvation Army has expanded its relief operation to include feeding locations in four counties today:

• Johnson County: 1923 South Shady St, Mountain City, TN (11:30 am–5:30 pm)
• Cocke County: Trinity Baptist, 1995 Hartford Rd, Cosby, TN (11:00 am–2:00 pm)
• Cocke County: Crossroads Church, 424 Heritage Blvd, Newport, TN (2:00 pm–5:30 pm)
• Greene County: Greeneville Municipal Airport (Time TBD)
• Unicoi County: 797 Old Highway Rd, Erwin (Time TBD)
• Unicoi County: Flag Pond Elementary School, 917 Old Asheville Highway (Time TBD)

Relief Efforts So Far
Through four days of service, The Salvation Army has brought the following relief to East Tennessee communities:

• 1,676 meals served
• 443 drinks
• 183 snacks
• 130 emotional and spiritual care contacts

As communities continue to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, The Salvation Army remains dedicated to providing assistance to those in need. You can join us in our disaster relief efforts by contributing to our fund. Your donations help provide essential supplies, food, and care to those affected.

How You Can Help
Donations can be made online at helpsalvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. 100% of disaster donations go directly to relief efforts, ensuring that your contribution makes an immediate impact on survivors and first responders.