Fire departments across Scott County are calling on the public to donate essential supplies to help families in Smith County recovering from the recent tornado outbreak.
The effort is being led by the Scott County Firefighters Association (SCFFA), with Lake Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) serving as a key drop-off location. Supplies collected will be delivered directly to families and individuals affected by the storm.
“We are collecting essential supplies such as plastic totes, personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.), cleaning supplies, garbage bags, paper products, wipes, bug spray, new blankets, washcloths, and towels, electrolyte packets for water, and anything else useful for recovery efforts — but we are not accepting clothing at this time,” said Jennifer Devoter, Administrative Manager at Lake VFD.
“As needs change, we make every attempt to update our social media page,” she added.
Donations can be brought to Lake VFD Station 1, located at 100 Front Street in Lake. However, since it is a volunteer department, Devoter encourages people to call or message ahead.
“We usually have someone available, but we are not always at the station,” she said. “We ask that those wishing to drop off supplies call or message us on Facebook ahead of time, so we can ensure someone is there to meet them.”
In addition to Lake VFD, donations are being accepted at the Sebastopol Fire Department and Morton Fire Department
“These stations are accepting donations during select hours, so we encourage people to check ahead before dropping off items,” Devoter said.
To make giving more convenient, the team has also created a Walmart Registry, allowing people to donate online and ship supplies directly. The registry is available at: https://tinyurl.com/x4azn4fs
According to Devoter, all donated items will be delivered to Smith County, with distribution coordinated through the Taylorsville Volunteer Fire Department.
The relief drive began when SCFFA President Chris Jones reached out to responders in Smith County to assess needs. He contacted Assistant Chief Landon Devoter, who had experience in disaster relief and access to a 53-foot trailer for transporting donations.
“One phone call led to another, and all of our teams have really came together,” Jennifer Devoter said.
Devoter emphasized how critical community support is to the recovery effort.
“Disasters like this remind us how vital it is to support our neighbors,” she said. “Many families in Smith County have lost their homes, and the generosity of surrounding communities will play a huge role in their recovery.”
She added that the impact of even a small item can be deeply personal.
“Even small donations—whether supplies, funds, or simply sharing our efforts—can make a big difference in helping them rebuild,” Devoter said. “From experience, once you see a person who lost everything cry tears of joy over something as simple as a manual can opener or deodorant, you never lose the feeling of wanting to help.”
Devoter closed with a message of faith and appreciation.
“Galatians 6:2 instructs, ‘Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ,’” she said. “The team at Lake VFD, and the other departments, have a passion for service and doing just that.”
She also thanked the public for their ongoing generosity.
“We deeply appreciate the support we’ve received so far,” she said. “If any business or organization would like to take donations on our behalf, we welcome that. We simply ask that we are notified and that those donations close out in enough time for someone to pick them up if needed.”
Donations will depart Lake VFD for Smith County on Friday, March 28, 2025.
