Employees at the Windstream retail store in Cornelia are collecting donations for victims of last week’s deadly tornadoes in Tennessee. They set up a donation bin and are asking people to donate blankets, jackets, and personal hygiene supplies.
Kayla Campbell, an employee at the store, is spearheading the drive in coordination with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. She says she felt led to start the drive to help those in need during such a hard time.
“My mom and sister live in Nashville and when I woke up Tuesday morning, I had several messages asking to check on my mom or making sure they were okay,” Campbell tells Now Habersham. She adds, “They are good, but it hit home for me. You truly never know when life is going to curve.”
The tornadoes swept through Middle Tennessee early on March 3. At least 25 people were killed. Hundreds of homes and businesses in the Nashville area were damaged or destroyed.
It was the worst tornado outbreak to hit the state since 2011.
When Campbell presented the idea of a donation drive to her supervisor Nicole Payne, she quickly backed the idea. “I was really excited,” Campbell says. Now, she hopes the community will rally behind them and help support our Tennessee neighbors.
Specific items they’re requesting include:
- Lysol wipes
- trash bags
- work gloves
- toothbrushes
- toothpaste
- soap
- shampoo
- deodorant
- diapers
- wipes
- blankets
- jackets
Employees are accepting donations through April 3. Windstream will then collect the items and ship them to Second Harvest in Nashville.
The Windstream retail store is located near Walmart in Cornelia at 282 Furniture Drive. You may drop off your donations anytime during normal business hours from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
