With the catastrophic effects of this week’s fire that consumed hundreds of homes and lodges in Gatlinburg, churches and organizations from Warren County have sprung into action to help.
“It’s just heartbreaking,” said Rev. Jeff Page, pastor of McMinnville Church of God on Locust Street as he and church members loaded a trailer full of supplies bound for the devastated area Thursday. “We want to help those in need and there’s a real need in the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area after that horrible tragedy.”
 Page said he put out a call to church members Tuesday and by afternoon there was a trailer full of supplies ranging from non-perishable food and water to toiletry items, toys, clothes and bedding. And, thanks to social media, the pastor said it wasn’t just church members who were donating.
“Folks got word through Facebook about what we were doing,” Page said. “They came by and left donations, both of supplies and money, some of them who have never attended our church. They just wanted to help and were looking for something they could do.”
Page took the trailer filled with supplies to one of McMinnville’s sister churches in Pigeon Forge.
In other collection efforts, Cub Scout Troop 172 is accepting canned food donations for the fire victims. The troop has a collection box at the Southern Standard office at 105 College Street.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology in McMinnville has been accepting donations for the Gatlinburg fire evacuees. The local school will deliver its items to TCAT in Crossville on Friday, Dec. 2. From there, the items will be delivered to Gatlinburg.