Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale and Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam today announced that the city and county are doing everything possible to provide the necessary assistance for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Both Mayors stressed that it's important to work with the state and federal governments in a coordinated effort to make sure we provide "the best kind of help and "the right kind of help."
The Mayors outlined the efforts that are already underway:
Three helicopters and eight personnel from the Knox County Sheriff's Department who are performing life safety missions are already in the Gulf Coast region
The city and the county are preparing to send:
Twelve officers and eight cars from the Knoxville Police Department
Ten officers and five cars from the Knox County Sheriff's Department
A mobile command unit from the Knox County Sheriff's Department to support the officers
Four Rural/Metro ambulances and eight personnel
Additional services include:
The Knox County Health Department will provide health care for victims with chronic health problems
The County School System is already accepting students from the disaster and is waiving normal admission requirements for school children.
The County, City and Knox Area Chamber are helping businesses who need to relocate such as Reilly Foods, which has a plant in New Orleans and is working to move more of its operation to Knoxville.
Mayor Ragsdale and Mayor Haslam urge you to support the victims with donations to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
GIVE TO AMERICAN RED CROSS
Call 865-584-2999
GIVE TO SALVATION ARMY
Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY
GIVE TO SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK
Mail check or deliver in person to:
Second Harvest
922 Delaware Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37921
GIVE FURNITURE TO COMPASSION COALITION
TWO LOCATIONS: Cokesbury Center, at 9915 Kingston Pike Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. - OR - Old Hill's building at 4825 North Broadway, next to Big Lots Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.