FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Local Entrepreneur Elizabeth Donaldson Partners with Community to Deliver Essential Supplies to North Carolina Families Impacted by Hurricane Helene
Knoxville, TN., (October 2024) – The impact of natural disasters reverberates through communities, often leaving families in dire need of assistance and support. In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Knoxville entrepreneur Elizabeth Donaldson has mobilized her community to provide essential supplies for affected residents in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, North Carolina. Through a grassroots campaign alongside local business owner Bethany Erickson, Donaldson has demonstrated the profound impact that collective action can have during challenging times.
Photo from Elizabeth Donaldson
Rallying the Community
Donaldson’s journey began with a heartfelt delivery of teddy bears to Newport, Tennessee. “After talking to people and listening to their stories of complete unexpected devastation, I was moved in my heart to help the crew collect coats and blankets for the people of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, NC,” she shared. Recognizing the urgent need for warmth and comfort, she and Erickson quickly gathered a carload of essential items to support those affected by the storm.
Returning home, Donaldson launched a social media campaign, calling on her community to contribute what they could—whether gently used coats, blankets, or financial donations to purchase these necessities. “I made a Facebook Live call for people to check their closets for old coats and blankets. I let them know that to take away extra stress, I would come and pick up the items or meet them at a convenient location,” she explained.
Expanding the Relief Effort
Utilizing Venmo for monetary donations, Donaldson has been able to purchase new coats and blankets from local retailers, amplifying the reach of her relief efforts. Additionally, an Amazon wishlist was created for Project Teddy Bear Hugs, allowing donors to send necessary supplies directly to Erickson’s salon. As the campaign gained momentum, the list of required items grew to include hats, gloves, lantern flashlights, solar-powered lights, portable propane heaters, sleeping bags, heavy quilts, air mattresses, camp stoves, portable toilets, and camp showers.
Originally hailing from New Orleans, Donaldson is no stranger to the challenges posed by natural disasters. “I know what it’s like to be in a situation where you lose everything or need help,” she reflected. “This could have easily been some of us… my brothers and sisters in WNC and East TN need to know that we have their back.”
The Power of Community Involvement
To date, Donaldson has rallied local businesses, individuals, and organizations to join the relief effort. She emphasizes the importance of sustained support for those affected in the coming months. “The biggest concern for these people is that as time passes, people will move on and forget that they will need our help for a very long time. We cannot let that happen. I personally will not let that happen,” she affirmed.
The success of Donaldson’s campaign illustrates the strength of community action in times of crisis. “We need community involvement. We need everyone in our area to understand we the people are all WE THE PEOPLE have,” she stated, highlighting the importance of collective responsibility.
Photo from Elizabeth Donaldson
How to Help
For those interested in supporting this vital cause, donations can be made through the Project Teddy Bear Hugs Amazon wishlist or directly via Venmo. For more information or to coordinate donations, Elizabeth Donaldson can be reached through her official website and through Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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About Elizabeth Donaldson:
Elizabeth Donaldson is a leading realtor and entrepreneur based in Knoxville, TN. With a passion for community engagement and sustainable living, she has established herself as a trusted expert in real estate and is dedicated to empowering women in various industries. Her latest venture, a women-owned tree service, reflects her commitment to excellence and her belief in the power of female entrepreneurship. Donaldson’s extensive knowledge and experience in client service make her a valuable resource for homeowners and businesses alike.
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