1. What is Dolly Parton doing to help after Hurricane Helene?
Dolly Parton is actively working to assist areas impacted by floods and storms following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. She is collaborating with her enterprises, including Dollywood Parks Resorts, Dollywood, Dolly Parton's Stampede, and Pirates Voyage, to deliver substantial contributions for flood relief efforts throughout the Appalachian region.
2. How much is Dolly Parton donating to the relief efforts?
Dolly Parton has pledged a personal donation of $1 million to the Mountain Ways Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on providing immediate support to those affected by the floods. Her East Tennessee businesses, in conjunction with The Dollywood Foundation, are matching her contribution with an additional $1 million.
3. What role is Walmart playing in the relief efforts?
Walmart, along with Sam's Club and the Walmart Foundation, is contributing a total of $10 million towards hurricane relief efforts in the impacted states. This commitment was announced by John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart US, during a press conference with Dolly Parton.
4. Where did Dolly Parton make her donation announcement?
Dolly Parton announced her charity partnership at the Walmart Supercenter in Newport, Tennessee's Newport Town Center. The event provided meals, showers, and laundry services for those affected by the unprecedented flooding.
5. How has Dolly Parton connected with the affected communities?
Dolly Parton expressed her deep concern and sorrow regarding the extensive damage and loss incurred from the hurricane. She emphasized her personal connection to the affected areas, stating, 'These are special people here; they're my people. I feel like all people are my people, but everyone here grew up in the mountains just like I did, so of course, I have a close connection to them.'
6. What is the significance of Dolly Parton's donation to Mountain Ways Foundation?
Dolly Parton's donation to the Mountain Ways Foundation is crucial for providing immediate assistance to those affected by the floods. The foundation focuses on immediate support, which is essential during the initial stages of disaster relief.
7. How has Dolly Parton contributed to disaster relief efforts in the past?
Dolly Parton has a long history of supporting disaster relief efforts. In recent years, she has contributed to relief efforts in Tennessee after natural disasters. Her charitable work includes the Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library.
8. What is the impact of Hurricane Helene on the affected regions?
Hurricane Helene left a path of destruction exceeding 500 miles across the Southeast. The storm unleashed an extraordinary amount of rainfall over the southern Appalachians in just three days, marking an event that could occur only once in a thousand years for the region. The deluge led to severe mudslides and water levels rising to unprecedented heights, destroying numerous bridges, roads, and homes.
9. How has the community responded to the disaster?
The community has come together to support those affected by the hurricane. Temporary cell service towers have been set up in select locations to aid communication, and residents are relying on these towers for essential information and emergency services.
10. What federal assistance has been approved for Tennessee?
President Joe Biden approved federal disaster assistance for Tennessee's Carter, Johnson, and Unicoi counties to supplement response efforts due to Helene's damage causing emergency conditions. Direct federal assistance and evacuation and shelter support reimbursement are also available for Cocke, Hawkins, and Washington Counties.
11. What is Dolly Parton's message to the affected communities?
Dolly Parton's message to the affected communities is one of hope and support. She expressed her wish that the gathering was for a more joyful occasion but acknowledged the need for healing. She stated, 'Were all here to heal these broken hearts,' emphasizing her commitment to aiding the victims.
