As cleanup continues following the flash flooding that struck parts of Cocke County last weekend, local organizations and volunteers are stepping up to help residents begin the difficult process of recovery.

Among those leading the effort is Empower Cocke County, a community organization built through the collaborative work of local churches. Program Director Kallie Lister said the group mobilized almost immediately after learning of the damage caused by the flooding.

“We jumped into action as soon as we heard what had happened,” Lister said.

One of the greatest needs identified so far has been assistance with cleanup. Drawing on lessons learned from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, volunteers began assembling cleanup buckets filled with supplies needed to safely remove mud, debris and flood-damaged materials from homes.

“We had a volunteer who came up with the idea of creating buckets,” Lister said. “We know from Hurricane Helene the supplies that are needed to do those cleanups safely. We started building those buckets and filling them with those supplies.”

As damage assessments continue across the county, Cocke County Property Assessor Macie Reed has been helping deliver the buckets directly to affected residents.

“As she’s going out and assessing the properties and the damage, she’s taking the buckets to each home and each family to at least give them something to get started with,” Lister said.

For many of the volunteers involved, helping others during times of crisis is nothing new. Since Hurricane Helene, community members have spent countless hours assisting neighbors through recovery efforts. This time, however, some of those same volunteers have found themselves in need of help.

One of them is Becky Miller, who lost valuable building supplies in the floodwaters. Miller and her husband had been working to rebuild their lives after Hurricane Helene severely damaged their previous home, leaving it unsafe for both the couple and their animals.

Following that disaster, the Millers relocated to a donated tiny home in Parrottsville. The recent flash flooding brought another setback, washing away building materials they had collected as part of their recovery efforts.

“This is the second flood she’s been through. So, we are walking with her through that and trying to support her however we can,” Lister said. “She later that day or the next morning reached out and said, ‘I don’t like to ask for help. In fact, I don’t ask for help, but I need help.’” With assistance from volunteers, Miller has been able to recover some items and supplies from the creek that runs through her property.

She said additional support has come from the East Tennessee Baptist Association, which has offered to replace lost building materials.

Miller admitted asking for help does not come naturally, but said the outpouring of support has made a difference.

“This one has us defeated, and we’re doing what we can,” Miller said. “We’re not complaining. We do appreciate any assistance.”

She said accepting help has been difficult because she knows many others in the community are also struggling with flood damage.

“It feels like we’re taking away from someone else who really needs it worse than we do,” she said. “However, we’re not as young as we used to be, and we found out yesterday that we really do need help.”

Miller hopes others facing similar hardships will not hesitate to seek assistance.

“I do beg people, please ask for help,” she said. “Don’t be stubborn like we have been.”

Empower Cocke County continues to seek volunteers willing to assist with cleanup efforts and is collecting donations for flood victims throughout the county.

The Cocke County Long Term Recovery Group is also assisting residents affected by the flooding. Those needing help are encouraged to call 865-6033866 and leave a message or email esullivan@ccetn. org.

As recovery efforts continue, local organizations say the response from volunteers, churches and community members has once again demonstrated the willingness of Cocke County residents to help one another through difficult times.