How To Help Gatlinburg After Fire: Ways To Donate Water, Money And Food To Support Tennessee

Three people died, hundreds of buildings burned and more than 14,000 residents recently evacuated from the Gatlinburg, Tennessee area as wildfires ravaged the area near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Exacerbated by drought and wind, the fires closed schools and forced people into shelters as firefighters attempted to control the flames Tuesday.

"It's a little numbing, to be honest with you, to see the extent of the damage," Gov. Bill Haslam told WMC Action News 5. "This is the largest fire in the last 100 years in the state of Tennessee."

As a popular tourist spot next to the most-visited national park in the United States, Gatlinburg has fans around the world. If you count yourself among them, and you're trying to figure out a way to help the displaced people, hurting wildlife and suffering businesses in the Volunteer State, read on for ideas from outlets like WVLT and the Tennessean.

If you're in Gatlinburg...

You can give your family and friends some peace of mind by marking yourself "safe" on Facebook here or registering as "safe and well" on the American Red Cross website, as recommended by the eastern Tennessee chapter of the nonprofit. Then spread the word that people can search through survivors here.

If you're near Gatlinburg...

You can drop off water bottles, Gatorade, granola bars and eyedrops for firefighters battling the blaze at Gibbs High School in Corryton or the Knoxville YMCA. Bring diapers, cat or dog food, coats, gloves and scarves to the Holston Baptist Association in Johnson City. Head to Sugar Mama's in Knoxville with over-the-counter pain relievers, lip balm and feminine hygiene products.

If you're in Tennessee...

You can support local businesses and organizations sending part of their proceeds to Gatlinburg recovery funds, like BonLife Coffee in Cleveland and Chattanoooga, the Carson-Newman basketball team in Jefferson City, Elle and Bee Homemade on Etsy or Scott Stevens in Nashville.

If you're somewhere else...

You can give money. Friends of the Smokies raised more than $40,000 on Tuesday but is still collecting donations here. United Way of Sevier County, Tennessee is accepting money through its PayPal here. You can mail checks to Remote Area Medical, 2200 Stock Creek Blvd., Rockford, TN 37853 or send cash to the Tennessee Valley Coalition for the Homeless here.