Bristol Tennessee/Virginia Association of Realtors donates emergency preparedness kits
BRISTOL, Tenn. (WCYB) — The Bristol Tennessee/Virginia Association of Realtors plans to donate emergency preparedness kits to Wise, Lee, Scott and Dickenson counties later this month.
The kits will include supplies such as batteries, gloves, toilet paper and baby items. Association leaders said the donations are intended to help communities respond quickly during emergencies, particularly in rural areas where residents may not have easy access to stores or other supplies.
Erin Elise, a member of the BTVAR board of directors, said the organization selected counties based in part on their access to materials during a disaster.
“You’re not as close to your Walmart, your Food City or anything like that,” Elise said. “Having access to this where people can just take it out to the community or people can come to the fire station or anything like that was really our biggest purpose for this.”
The effort follows the impacts of Hurricane Helene, which brought devastating flooding and damage to parts of the region.
“Helene really was a tragedy, and it opened our eyes to the need for the county level to help those that are devastated by a natural disaster,” said Joe Gross, a Lead Academy participant and BTVAR president-elect.
Peyton Hubble, a BTVAR board director, said having supplies ready can help people act quickly during a crisis.
“You never know when something’s going to happen,” Hubble said. “If you’re already ready, you don’t have to think about it.”
The kits are funded through a $7,500 Rural County Initiatives grant from the National Association of Realtors, along with a $1,000 donation from Anthem Health.
Virginia Roberts, broker-owner of Ridgeview Real Estate, said the project reflects Realtors’ broader role in supporting the communities they serve.
“As Realtors, we service the community,” Roberts said. “We service the community through more than just house services.”