"The response has been overwhelming," said Todd Stewart, who is coordinating this project for Compassion Coalition. "We've had a steady stream of drop-offs from individuals, churches, businesses, and other organizations. Volunteers are hard at work organizing this new facility and processing the tremendous volume of items that have been brought here in the past two days. Our inventory now includes clothes, personal care items, household goods, bedding, diapers and other products for babies and children, and many other items that will be useful to this relief effort."

Andy Rittenhouse, executive director of Compassion Coalition, expressed his appreciation for the generosity of the Knoxville community. "Once we understand what we have on hand and the additional needs for specific items, we will communicate these needs to the Knoxville community and request further donations."

The Katrina Relief Warehouse is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., to distribute items to displaced families who are now in Knoxville.

The warehouse opened earlier this week to collect, organize and distribute material donations. The warehouse is a joint initiative of the City of Knoxville, Knox County, the Salvation Army, and the Compassion Coalition, a non-denominational organization that supports area churches in addressing community needs.