Tennessee U.S. Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN-02) announced Monday that he is suspending all campaign fundraising activities and instead urging his supporters to direct their monetary donations to relief efforts benefiting those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
I’m contributing to the East Tennessee Foundation and Samaritan’s Purse. pic.twitter.com/HugfonVwAA
— Tim Burchett (@timburchett) September 30, 2024
“Like everyone across the country, I’ve watched in horror as Hurricane Helene devastated our neighbors in Upper East Tennessee,” Burchett said in a statement.
The congressman said the suspension of his campaign fundraising will last for two weeks and, in the meantime, is urging his supporters to donate to or volunteer with disaster relief efforts in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina.
In addition to the suspension of his campaign fundraising activities, Burchett has donated $2,500 to the East Tennessee Foundation’s Neighbor to Neighbor Disaster Relief Fund and $2,500 to the Samaritan’s Purse, urging his supporters to do the same.
“I hope you’ll join me in supporting worthy charities providing boots-on-the-ground support to our neighbors in these hard hit communities,” Burchett said.
“Folks, this is a pivotal time in any campaign, but right now, it’s not about politics — it’s about people. Every dollar helps, but if you can’t financially support the relief effort, I ask that you join Kelly, Isabel, and me as we pray for those impacted by this devastating storm,” Burchett added.
Remnants of Hurricane Helene have caused widespread damage across East Tennessee since Thursday, with multiple communities experiencing catastrophic flash flooding which has destroyed roads and buildings.
At the request of Governor Bill Lee, President Joe Biden has since approved federal assistance for Carter, Johnson, Unicoi, Cocke, Hawkins, and Washington counties.
As of Sunday afternoon, two weather-related fatalities – one in Unicoi County and and in Johnson County – have been confirmed by the Tennessee Department of Health.
In addition, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has received 337 calls seeking information about individuals in East Tennessee through its new hotline, (1-800-824-3463) to coordinate reports of missing persons in the areas affected by the storm.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Image “Rep Tim Burchett” by Rep. Tim Burchett.
