I have a great deal of respect for Jessica Bookstaff Doppelt, who is the owner of PigeonForge.com. Jessica has been an active member of the small geodomain name community, and she was always been happy to offer tips and feedback when I began working on my own geographic domain name websites.
As you may know, her area of Tennessee was hit with devastating wildfires recently. Most of the damage was done in a city called Gatlinburg, but the entire Great Smoky Mountains area is feeling the effects of the wildfires. There have been a few deaths, many injuries, and hundreds of people may have lost their residences and businesses due to the fires.
This afternoon, Jessica sent her PigeonForge.com newsletter subscribers an update about the fires. Importantly, she shared some action items people can do to help those in need. I want to share Jessica’s newsletter with you. I know there are people in the domain name community who live in the area or love the Smoky Mountains, and here’s how we can all help them:
Faithful Friends,
It has been an unbelievably hard time for all of us in the Smoky Mountains these last few days. We are still in the midst of navigating this tragedy in our community. It hurts. We are heartbroken for our friends, family, business partners. We are sickened to see our neighbors hurt and suffer. But, we are together. Faith, love and the volunteer spirit is what is holding us together and filling our hearts with strength as we move forward. So many of you have graciously offered your words of love and encouragement. It is so appreciated and we feel your love. Keep it coming! You have asked, what can we do?
1. Pray – Pray for peace and strength. Pray for families to secure shelter and that there needs will be provided.
2. Donate – Monetary contributions locally can be made to assist displaced families and those who have lost their homes at Citizens National Bank, 200 Forks of the River Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37862 to: “City of Pigeon Forge Fire Relief Fund.” All monies collected via this fund will be donated to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevier County families in need.
3. Visit Us – Don’t cancel your vacation. Businesses are open. We are waiting to host you and your families in our community. You are a vital part of our ability to rebuild our community.
Best, Jessica
Thank you for reposting her message. We were very fortunate in Pigeon forge not to lose our home but many friends and aquaintences are indeed in need. Anything people can do to help out our local community would be greatly appreciated.