Pigeon Forge open for business, collecting donations for communities impacted by Helene

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — As Pigeon Forge businesses continue to welcome visitors for the fall, the area is still working to collect donations for flood-affected areas .

City officials are emphasizing that the Pigeon Forge is open and accessible, adding that they are working to support the thousands of employees whose livelihoods are linked to the city’s only industry, tourism. The city’s tourism director added that many of those who work in the city were impacted by the hurricane as they live in the neighboring counties, including Cocke County.

“Inquiries have increased significantly as potential visitors seek to confirm that our city, including Dollywood theme park, is open and accessible, and it is open for those who can travel safely,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “Our businesses know that being open is a blessing, so we want to support our neighbors and continue to send as many donations as possible to help.”

He explained that there is a travel alert on the city’s website, MyPigeonForge.com, explaining how to get to Pigeon Forge with the road closures in East Tennessee and North Carolina. It also includes places to donate to help with storm recovery.

“It’s been overwhelming the response that we’ve received. We had a motor coach that came down all the way from Pennsylvania on Saturday, loaded with disaster relief supplies. Just to help because they’ve been bringing tour groups here for 40 years. So that that kind of outpouring of love is amazing to us,” said Downey.

Pigeon Forge Noon Rotary representatives are leading a monthlong donation program. They are accepting items from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the city’s Patriot Park at 186 Old Mill Ave. Dollywood is also collecting donations at the theme park through Sunday, Oct. 13, during park hours. Items needed are:

• Tarps
• Shovels & rakes
• Trash bags
• Work gloves
• Masks, including dust masks
• Disinfecting wipes
• Disinfecting wipes
• Diapers
• Bottled water
• Baby formula, food & wipes
• Prepackaged snacks
• Diapers
• Can openers
• First aid supplies
• Personal hygiene items
• Kitty litter
• New socks & underwear
• Clean towels & blankets
• Laundry detergent
• Pet food
• Kitty litter
• Hand sanitizer

While Pigeon Forge was unharmed by Helene, officials set out to help the Appalachian region recover. An initial donations site was set up at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge where items were collected during the first week of October, with an immediate emphasis on Cocke County residents. Downey said they have sent 116 pallets of supplies so far.

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