Some mothers in Carter County spent Mother’s Day sifting through what remains of their homes after tornadoes tore through the region.
Sheriff Mark Ellis described the situation as deeply distressing.
“I spoke to a young couple. She told me, ‘I have nothing left. My entire trailer is gone,’” Ellis said.
Power outages have decreased from over 20,000 to about 1,400 as crews continue repairs day and night. The National Relief Agency has opened a center in Milltown, offering hot meals and a safe place to sleep for those displaced by the storms.
At Grace Community Church, the kitchen was originally set to serve meals for Teacher Appreciation Week. After classes were called off, Pastor David Miller decided to help the wider community.
“We wanted to make sure anyone needing a hot meal could get one at our church,” Miller said.
A simple message to parents turned into a large-scale effort, with donations of food and clothing arriving from as far as Oak Grove and Milltown.
“I can’t even count the number of clothes we’ve received. I’m starting to ask people to hold off because we have so much. It’s a good problem to have,” Miller said.
The National Relief Agency and local officials said shelters will remain open as long as needed, with a 24-hour notice before any closures.
