Photo credit: Facebook/NewsChannel 5 Nashville

At least 13 tornadoes touched down in the greater Nashville region on the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 9, impacting many Tennessee counties and leaving a trail of devastation. The road to recovery will be long and difficult, but as usual when disasters strike, Tennesseans are looking for ways to help. If you would like to join the relief efforts, here are a few ways to provide support to those in need.

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

You can make a monetary donation on the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s website. Their Emergency Response Fund supports local nonprofits that deliver vital services to meet immediate and long-term needs in the Middle Tennessee area when disasters strike.

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Hands On Nashville

Hands On Nashville (HON) is a nonprofit that works to connect volunteers to opportunities within the Nashville community. Visit hon.org to view volunteer opportunities and sign up to help.

Community Resource Center of Middle Tennessee

The Community Resource Center is accepting donations at several drop-off locations in Middle Tennessee. The most-needed items include soap, toothpaste, baby formula, diapers and more. You can purchase items directly from their Amazon Wishlist and have them sent directly to the CRC or make a donation. Visit crcmidtn.org to learn more.

American Red Cross Tennessee

The American Red Cross Tennessee is accepting monetary donations for disaster relief here. You can also apply to become a volunteer here.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee

Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is working to assist residents and other relief organizations in the community by providing food to those impacted by the storm. Every $1 donated provides eight meals to Tennessee families in need. Donations can be made online here.

Second Harvest also accepts food donations. The most essential items include pop-top canned meats, vegetables and fruit; ready-to-eat soups and stews; peanut butter and crackers; cereal; and breakfast/energy bars. You can drop food donations off at any Kroger location (look for the Second Harvest donation barrels) or at Second Harvest’s Nashville Distribution Center (331 Great Circle Road in Nashville). Learn more at secondharvestmidtn.org.

Salvation Army Disaster Relief

The Salvation Army uses 100% of all disaster donations to support disaster relief, providing food, shelter and other emergency care to victims of the tornadoes. Donations may also support long-term recovery programs in impacted communities. Donate or learn more at give.helpsalvationarmy.org.

Nashville Responds

Nashville Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is asking those in need of assistance to fill out this form. The organization is also collecting donations for tornado relief here. The United Way of Greater Nashville is responsible for the collection of monetary donations, which are then used to assist organizations responding to immediate needs and long-term recovery efforts. To donate, click here.

Clarksville:

Clarksville was one of the hardest-hit areas in Tennessee. See the list below for ways to help in the Clarksville community, and find more at clarksvillenow.com.

• Montgomery County EMA is organizing volunteers. Call (931) 245-2988 to sign up.
• Mosaic Church is organizing volunteers. Sign up here.
• Lifepoint Church is organizing volunteers. Sign up here.
• Clarksville Area Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Program is collecting donations for tornado victims Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon at 217 S. Third Street. Call (931) 648-9090 for more information.
• YAIPak Outreach is collecting items for those in need at 1255 Paradise Hill Road. Learn more at yaioutreach.org.

Hendersonville:

Hendersonville was also hit hard by the storms, and United Way of Sumner County is collaborating with the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce to serve as Disaster Relief Headquarters at 300 Indian Lake Blvd., Suite D160 in Hendersonville. They are working with local officials, local government, Sumner County EMA, The Red Cross, local churches and many nonprofit organizations to meet community needs. You can make a monetary donation at unitedwaysumner.org/donate and find more ways to help here.

See more: Tornado Safety Tips