CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW)  – In the wake of severe flooding in Waverly, several Clarksville businesses and nonprofits are gathering supplies and donations to help victims.

Over the weekend, the cities of Waverly and McEwen in Humphreys County, southwest of Clarksville, experienced severe flash flooding, resulting in extensive property damage and loss of life. Many residents have been stranded in their homes, and others remain missing.

“I drove through some of the areas yesterday, and it is just stunning to see the devastation,” Executive Director of the Tennessee River Chapter of the Red Cross Pamela Holz told Clarksville Now. “Most of the water has receded already. It was almost surreal to believe that 24 hours earlier there were roads under 5 feet of water and people sitting on the roofs of their houses crying for help.”

Several local groups and nonprofit organizations have been collecting and delivering donations to flooding victims.

YAIPak Outreach

YAIPak Outreach has been on site in Humphreys County throughout the weekend, according to founder Sherry Nicholson, providing clothing, hygiene items, snacks and other items that were needed immediately.

“We were there the night that it was still raining, actually, because those that were being rescued were wearing wet clothes,” YAIPak founder Sherry Nicholson said.

Since then, they’ve taken down two 24-foot trailers full of donations, and they are organizing for much more, including a shower trailer they are taking down on Tuesday.

But the key is to make sure that Waverly isn’t inundated with items that they don’t need or cannot store, Nicholson said. YAIPak is coordinating with one of the churches in Waverly and with first responders to make sure they are getting what they need, and not being overwhelmed with donations they can’t use.

“We’re trying to track it so there’s no waste. Right now those families have absolutely nothing, and they can’t store (donated) furniture or couches; they can’t store beds and all those kind of things yet,” Nicholson told Clarksville Now.

So what can they use? The next big need will be cleaning supplies.

“Now we’re prepping for all the cleanup items that are going to be needed on the back side of this as well,” she said.

That means items like mops, brooms, disinfectants, contractor bags and chainsaws. They also need something many might not think of: phone batteries and chargers. Many people ran from their homes with their cell phones, but left chargers behind.

Victims also can use gas cards and grocery cards, along with financial donations. If you make a financial donation through YAIPak, indicate that it’s for disaster relief and it all goes to help the flood victims.

YAIPak is keeping an updated list of needed items on the YAIPak Facebook page, along with lists of donation drop boxes.

American Red Cross of Clarksville

American Red Cross of Clarksville is accepting monetary donations to assist the victims. Donations will be used to provide temporary housing, food assistance and other necessities.

The Red Cross has set up a Disaster Response Headquarters in nearby Dickson. They have escalated the situation in Humphreys County to a level 4 DR (Disaster Response), the highest level being 5.

“I am just asking the people in our county, Montgomery County, and the surrounding communities, if you find it in your heart that you can help, please know that the best way you can help right now is to make a financial contribution,” Holz said.

For more information, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to the American Red Cross of Clarksville website.

Manna Cafe Ministries

Manna Cafe will be accepting donations towards flood victims within all affected counties. The organization is partnering with local agencies to ensure donations will arrive where they are most needed.

“We are devastated over the flash flooding that occurred on Saturday. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends who lost homes, or loved ones,” said Manna Cafe’s Rachel Hickman.

TNG Gymnastics and Cheer

TNG is partnering with O24 Fitness to collect donations for flood victims. They will be collecting clothes and personal items at their 2030 Woodlawn Road location.

Needed items include toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, towels, wash cloths, brushes, clothes and shoes of all sizes, diapers, formula and first aid kits.

Jenkins and Wynne of Clarksville

Jenkins and Wynne Automotive is collecting hygiene items, canned goods, cleaning products, clothes, water and gift cards to be delivered to Waverly and McEwen.

People interested in donating can bring their items to the Ford and Honda front desk at 2655 Trenton Road on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 24.

Romano Alliance

Romano Alliance is collecting supplies and donations, including diapers, formula and other daily baby needs; clothing and shoes; cleaning supplies such as disinfectant and trash bags; toilet paper, paper towels and more. For details, see their Facebook page.

The drop-off box is at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham, 251 Holiday Drive.

If you know other organizations in Clarksville working to aid flood victims, contact Clarksville Now at news@clarksvillenow.com, subject: Relief.

Chris Smith and Lee Erwin contributed to this article.