Morgan Wallen Foundation, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, launched a “HELP” campaign to provide relief for those impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina.
Morgan Wallen Foundation Launches The “HELP” Campaign
The “HELP” campaign aims to raise funds and collect essential food and water supplies to support families and communities struggling in the aftermath of the powerful storm. According to NBC News, at least 215 people have died as a result of the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida a week ago and left thousands without power and many roads impassable.
Hundreds of people from North Carolina and other regions remain missing, and close to 1,000 active-duty military members are now joining The National Guard to assist in recovery efforts at the request of President Joe Biden.
Four Way To Help And Get Involved With Relief Efforts
The “HELP” campaign offers four ways for people to get involved, whether they are local or across the country. Here’s how you can participate:
1. Food and Water Drive in Knoxville
On Wednesday, October 9, the Morgan Wallen Foundation is organizing a food drive and water drive in Wallen’s hometown of Knoxville at West Town Mall corner of Dick’s House of Sports, located at 7600 Kingston Pike. For those in the area, this is a hands-on way to help local families in need. The food drive will focus on collecting essential, non-perishable food items and bottled water for the regions by the Hurricane.
The foundation and Second Harvest of East Tennessee are specifically asking for donations of Bottled water, Pop-top canned food items (that don’t require cooking or a can opener) and “Open and Eat Now” food items such as protein bars, crackers, peanut butter and other ready-to-eat foods.
All donations must meet these guidelines, as they are meant to provide immediate nourishment to those who are still without power or cooking facilities. A limited amount of giveaways will be available to those who bring donations.
2. Packing Disaster Relief Boxes in Nashville
In addition to the Knoxville food drive, the Morgan Wallen Foundation is also hosting an event at Second Harvest Food Bank in Nashville, located at 331 Great Circle Rd, on the same day (October 9) to pack disaster relief boxes.
At the packing event, volunteers will assemble disaster relief boxes with essential supplies for the victims of Hurricane Helene. These boxes will then be distributed throughout East Tennessee and Western North Carolina to families in need of support.
3. Limited-Edition “HELP” T-Shirt
To further support relief efforts, Morgan Wallen and the Morgan Wallen Foundation has released a limited-edition “HELP” t-shirt. The white t-shirt, inspired by “I Had Some Help,” Wallen’s chart-topping collaboration with Post Malone, features “HELP” on the front and the Morgan Wallen Foundation logo on the back with a silhouette of the Tennessee and North Carolina state outlines and “Hurricane Relief TN & NC.”
“100% of the artist’s proceeds will go to the Morgan Wallen Foundation to support Second Harvest of East Tennessee and MANNA FoodBank of Western North Carolina,” according to the foundation.
The “HELP” t-shirt can be purchased at Shop.MorganWallen.com.
4. Virtual Food Drive
For those unable to physically participate in the Knoxville food drive or Nashville packing event, the “HELP” campaign also offers an online food drive option, where people from all over the country can donate to the cause.
“Morgan Wallen Foundation is deeply saddened by the impacts Hurricane Helene has had on our neighbors in East Tennessee, and your Second Harvest Food Bank is coordinating efforts to provide support to those affected by the storm,” a statement on the Second Harvest Food Bank website reads. “Many are without power, water, food, and basic necessities. This Morgan Wallen Foundation Virtual Food Drive allows you to purchase food for the food bank from wherever you are.”
The online food drive is easy to participate in, and donations can be made at https://secondharvestetn.fenly.org/drive/helpafterhelene.
Morgan Wallen Issues Statement
Upon first learning about the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, country superstar Morgan Wallen shared a heartfelt message with fans on social media.
“My family in East Tennessee are safe, but I know many are absolutely devastated there and in multiple states. All my prayers are geared towards those tonight. Those hills and hollers are very important to me in so many ways. It is going to take a monumental effort, and I am in contact with my team and others working on ways I can help,” Wallen shared on Sunday, September 29.
The Country Superstar Also Donated $500,000 To American Red Cross
Wallen also generously donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross to assist the victims in East Tennessee affected by the tragic storm, according to The Knox News.
“We can’t thank Morgan Wallen enough for his heart and generous $500,000 donation to impact help on the ground now in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene, including his beloved East Tennessee,” Trevor Riggin, Red Cross’ National President for Humanitarian Services, shared in a statement.
For more information on The Morgan Wallen Foundation or the “HELP” campaign, visit www.morganwallenfoundation.org.