Hurricane Helene tore through our beautiful Appalachian Mountain on September 27th and left the landscape unrecognizable in some areas. While the devastation and losses are astronomical, humanitarian acts of generosity and compassion have reached an unparalleled height. Many acts of Kindness prevail as Lions and communities come together to assist individuals in the impacted counties of Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington Counties in East Tennessee.

Lions across the United States immediately started calling District 12N Lions with offers of assistance. Many responded with monetary donations and
others arrived with truck loads of supplies and more trucks are scheduled to arrive.

District Lions Club members have shopped and delivered urgently needed supplies; i.e., cleaning supplies, tools, shovels, boots, gloves, heaters, generators, gas cans, baby clothing and formula and much more for many days.

I cannot begin to name everyone and each way you have served and continue to serve; however, you have touched lives in a mighty way. Thank you so much.

East Tennessee Lions (District 12-N) have been blessed in many ways. Many donations have been received. Each donation has been very much appreciated and used to meet the urgent needs of hundreds of families whose lives will be changed for months and years to follow. Please know how much it has meant to feel the support from our Lions Communities.

A special heartfelt Thank You goes to District 12-L Lions for the awesome monetary donations. We have felt your Kindness, Love and Generosity

As we approach this Thanksgiving Season, it’s easy to reflect on our Blessings, even during the aftermath of hurricane Helene. Lions have stepped forward to Serve – a neighbor, a friend, a family, an extended family, or acquaintances. Lions are volunteering and Serving those in need in an awesome Way!

I have heard stories of individuals experiencing overwhelming situations that most of us cannot imagine and I have observed the devastation firsthand. Stories of basic needs for food, clothing and shelter. Requests for food, blankets, sleeping bags and heaters. Stories of neighbors looking out for the elderly. Stories of giving a child a teddy bear and looking for a favorite pet. Stories of distribution centers springing up and others closing to resume school or Church. Stories of alternate centers/hubs developing to continue to Serve the communities’ basic needs. Stories of Lions responding immediately and making plans to continue to assist during the recovery process.

Thank you Lions for continuing to SERVE from Johnson County, Carter County, Unicoi County, Washington County, Greene County to Cocke County and all the towns, cities and communities therein.

Serving with you – DG Keltie