Gatlinburg Wildfires Christmas Fund

My name is Tesea Dawson and I am a member of the band Tuatha Dea. I am also a survivor and evacuee of the recent Gatlinburg TN wildfires. I am a resident of Gatlinburg, TN.  I know first hand the devastation the fires have caused and know how it hit my community on a personal level. Many of the people who lost everything I know personally, my children go to school with or are family of my close personal friends. Many are children. I decided to start this fund as way to relieve at least a small stress from those who are facing such devastation.  Gatlinburg is more than just a town.  We are a community, a family and we support each other.  Which is why I began this campaign.  Gatlinburg, TN was a nightmare on Monday, November 28, 2016. I know because I was there. It was a night none of us will forget. As the statistics still roll in and the damage assessed those of us who escaped the flames unharmed and were lucky enough to gfind their homes still intact are bombarded with inquiries on how people can help. There are many options available but the truth is tho I was a lucky one I am still impacted. I personally know others who lost everything in the fire. My children go to school with kids who have no home anymore. Many are left without jobs and here we are at Christmas. The donation centers are overwhelmed with generosity already. This GoFund me project is geared towards raising monies to buy Christmas presents for those children who've lost it all or whose parents will be delayed a much needed paycheck during this time. The victims of this living nightmare. The money will be used to purchase toys for the children affected and plans are underway to create an event for these toys to be given out.  Some of the funds may to buy wrapping paper for the children's gifts and purchase any necessary items needed such as diapers, formula, clothing, etc for those most affected.  Kids tend to handle trauma differently and giving them something to smile about this Yule season is in our opinion a must. The funds will be handled by myself and no one else and once we have ended the campaign I will withdraw the funds to my account and purchase the toys and other items needed. Please donate what you can. Amounts over what is needed to provide Christmas for these kids will be donated to relief funds still in need.