A group of 50 from Allen Senior Recreation Center departed on a 7-day, 6-night trip to Pigeon Forge, deep in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains, on Sunday, shortly before devastating wildfires started breaking out in the area.
The trip has been able to adjust its itinerary to stay safe and trip-goers have even donated to relief efforts.
“Those who attended the Allen Senior Recreation Center trip were so moved by the devastation from the wildfires that they wanted to provide support, even in a small way,” said Travis Cunniff, recreation services manager for Allen Parks and Recreation. “The group collectively donated funds to go toward disaster relief.”
Having sold out months ago, the trip plans were revised due to the wildfires, but everyone is safe and still having a good experience. The trip has already been to the Titanic Museum, Tanger Outlet and the America’s Hit Parade Dinner Show.
“We want everyone to know that our hearts go out to the people who have suffered loss due to the fires in the Smoky Mountains,” said Denise Fenner, Allen Senior Recreation Center trip supervisor. “To be this close to the area affected really brings it home. We couldn’t do much but we ‘passed the hat’ and came up with a little bit to hopefully help such a beautiful area recover.”
Pictures from the trip can be found on the Allen Parks and Recreation Facebook page.
Allen Senior Recreation Center offers trips throughout the year, such as the “Canyons, Cowboys and Heroes” trip to Palo Duro Canyon on June 6-9, 2017. For more information, please call Allen Senior Recreation Center at 214.509.4820 or visit AllenParks.org.