Help Dolly Parton provide a hand up to those families who have lost everything in the fires in Sevier County, TN through Dolly's "My People Fund." #SomePlaceSpecial #MyPeopleFund
Update (Dec. 2, 4:45 p.m.): Since Wednesday night, Parton's My People Fund raised more than $1 million, according to a press release from The Dollywood Company.
From the release:
Any family who lost their primary residence (renters and homeowners) due to the wildfires in Sevier County will be eligible. A pre-application for those affected will be available at dollywoodfoundation.org beginning today at 4 p.m. Completion of the pre-application is not required but is encouraged to expedite the distribution process.
The first funds will be distributed Dec. 15-16 and Dec. 19-20 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the CARE MORE Assistance Center at the LeConte Events Center in Pigeon Forge. One check per household per month will be issued. All recipients must show a photo I.D. Families can receive aid for up to six months. Anyone needing assistance in the application process should call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.
The release also said significant donations came in from Verizon, Tanger Outlets, Miley Cyrus’ Happy Hippie Foundation, The Blalock Company and CoreCivic, formerly known as Corrections Corporation of America.
Tax-deductible contribution to the My People Fund can be made at dollywoodfoundation.org. Mailed contributions should be sent to: My People Fund, c/o Dollywood Foundation, 111 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.
Original post: Country musician and all-around good gal Dolly Parton — through the Dollywood Foundation — will provide $1,000 a month for six months to all of families who lost their homes in the wildfires in the Great Smoky Mountains.
While it's unknown exactly how many homes have been lost to the fires, around 14,000 people were evacuated from Gatlinburg this past week.
“As you may know by now, there have been terrible wildfires in the Great Smoky Mountains, the same mountains where I grew up and where my people call home," Parton wrote in a press release accompanying the above video. "I have always believed that charity begins at home. That’s why I’ve asked my Dollywood Companies — including the Dollywood Theme Park, and DreamMore Resort; My dinner theater attractions including Dixie Stampede and Lumberjack Adventure; and my Dollywood Foundation to help me establish the 'My People Fund.'"
Donations can be made to the My People Fund here.
