Schools, football team unite to aid Hurricane Helene victims
Anderson County High School may be in the midst of an undefeated football season, but the Mavericks haven’t let that stop them from helping those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Storms spawned by the hurricane left several areas in Northeast Tennessee and western north Carolina devastated, and in need of essentials such as toiletries, dog food, bottled water, diapers, and other supplies.
The ACHS football team, along with the school and Dixie Roofing of Powell, has delivered donations to the affected areas.
Athletic Director Gary Terry took to social media to request donations from the community, while Principal Ben Downs helped organize efforts to fill semi-trailers with supplies.
“We’ve taken two tractor-trailers full of water already,” said Maryn Branham, who represents the high school at Board of Education meetings.
She said the supplies have been delivered to both Greene and Cocke counties, with more donations still being collected.
At the same meeting, Anderson County Director of Schools Tim Parrott praised the ongoing efforts.
Football Coach Davey Gillum highlighted the team’s continued involvement in gathering and delivering donations.
“GT and Coach Downs got this started,” he said. “They went on social media to ask for donations, and Mike Malicote and Dixie Roofing helped with the truck.
“We took trucks up there; each one had 26 pallets of bottled water,” Gillum said. “We’re going to take more supplies, and we’ll take donations to Elizabethton.”
Clinton High School has also joined the relief efforts. Keaton Cook, who represents Clinton High at Board of Education meetings, said his school has conducted a food drive to support the cause.
The Anderson County school system launched a districtwide fundraising effort on Sept. 30 to benefit families of students in the Greene and Cocke County school systems.
The initiative encouraged Anderson County students to donate $1 and staff members to donate $5. The district plans to collect canned food and bottled water after fall break.
“We are grateful for the generosity of our students, staff, and the Anderson County community as we come together to aid our fellow Tennesseans,” the school system said in a statement. “Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
Gillum emphasized that the relief effort will continue for as long as donations are needed, and the ACHS football team will assist in distributing supplies.