BRISTOL — Bristol Motor Speedway officials announced today that it will begin collecting donations of much needed essential supplies to assist those affected by the devastating tornadoes in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

A tractor-trailer provided by Food City will be parked in a central location at the BMS North Entrance lot and will be accepting items from the list below through Friday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.

* Bottled water           

* Cleaning supplies                

* Box cutters              

* Non-perishable food items

* Toiletries                  

* Snack food items                 

* Trash bags               

* Gloves                     

Following the donation period, the items will be transported via the Food City tractor-trailer to the Holy Rosary Church on Graylynn Drive in Nashville. The church will be partnering with the American Red Cross to distribute the items to those in need.

If you would like to help financially, please consider making a donation to the following:

• Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund: cfmt.org

• Community Resource Center: crcnashville.org

• Music City Inc., the 501c(3) charitable foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

If you would like to volunteer, please register at Hands On Nashville: hon.org.

Additionally, Bristol Motor Speedway is partnering with the Marsh Regional Blood Center and donors may give at any of the area Marsh blood centers. Donations will be on standby to augment supply for our friends affected by the tornadoes in Middle Tennessee. For more information please visit marshblood.com.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by this terrible tragedy, and just as we’ve done in the past when we see a neighbor in need we want to lend a helping hand,” said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager, Bristol Motor Speedway.

“We’re grateful to our partners and friends in the community for rallying together to help support all of those affected recently by the devastating tornadoes in Middle Tennessee.”