JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) -- East Tennessee State University (ETSU) has canceled classes for several days and is taking various steps to assist the region after catastrophic floods hit the region.
ETSU announced on Sunday that classes were canceled on campus through Wednesday.
All other services and facilities will operate on their normal schedules to provide support to students, staff and the community. ETSU stated in a news release that employees who cannot make it to work due to supporting loved ones or dealing with personal issues will not be penalized or forced to use leave hours.
"We want to offer our students and employees maximum flexibility during this difficult time," ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland stated in the release. "We recognize that many are experiencing unimaginable losses and responding to devastating events. We also know that our campus can be a resource for those in need, so we will attempt to keep campus services and facilities in full operation as much as possible. We appreciate those who can pitch in to help cover shifts and assist with relief efforts as we all work to support one another and the region."
The university is operating as a collection site for flood buckets and hygiene kits, according to the release. Those items will be collected on the third floor of the Culp Center and open throughout the week for donations. Donations will also be accepted at the homecoming football game on Oct. 5 at a designated tent in the tailgate area starting at 1 p.m.
The university provided the following specifications for flood buckets and hygiene kits donations:
Flood buckets consist of 5-gallon round buckets with resealable lids that are filled with cleaning supplies such as clothespins, clotheslines, health-duty trash bags, N-95 masks, kitchen and work gloves, laundry detergent (32-64 oz.), household cleaner (16-40 oz.), dish soap (16-34 oz.), air fresheners (4-8 oz.), insect repellant, scrub brushes, reusable cleaning wipes and scouring pads.
The hygiene kits will include hand towels (no kitchen or microfiber), washcloths (same restrictions), sturdy combs with 4-7 inches of teeth (no pocket combs or picks), nail clippers (no nail files or emery boards, soap (no Ivory or Jergens and keep in packaging), toothbrushes (keep in packaging), bandages and one-gallon reusable bags.
Any donations of the above-listed items are appreciated, according to the university.
ETSU is also hosting a community blood drive with Marsh Regional Blood Center. The blood drive will be held on both Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. in the Culp Ballroom on the third floor of the student center.
A station to write letters of love and support to people affected by the flooding and first responders will be set up at the blood drive.