The Predators have been absent from the ice for more than a month since the NHL season was put on pause indefinitely March 12 in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the franchise has been keeping busy by helping with relief efforts for the March 3 tornadoes that tore through Middle Tennessee as well as raising money for coronavirus relief.

Through various fundraisers and donations that involve the Predators, the Predators Foundation, Ford Ice Center and Bridgestone Arena, the team has raised $2.7 million that will be distributed to those impacted by both.

Special Olympics Tennessee will get $8,000, which president and CEO Adam Germek said will "help keep our doors open."

Some of the money will be used to help fund a digital summer games, a week of online activities to keep athletes involved since there will be no physical games. Other money will be used for overhead costs.

"We're worried about keeping staff members," Germek said. "This is allowing us to keep our team together."

Predators ownership, players, coaches, staff, other NHL teams and fans also have contributed to the efforts, which is something team CEO and president Sean Henry has stressed since the tornadoes hit.

“A community’s strength comes through during and after misfortune, and the response in the last 45 days has spoken volumes about our Middle Tennessee community,” Henry said.

“Commitment to our community has been a cornerstone of our franchise, and we are focused on doing everything possible to help rebuild neighborhoods and provide resources and assistance that will allow all of us to return to a sense of normalcy as quickly and safely as possible.”

A day after seven tornadoes tore through the state and killed 25 people, lunches were served at Bridgestone Arena to many people affected by the storms.

Predators, Bridgestone and Ford Ice staff members volunteered with clean-up and players helped collect supplies. Predators chairman Herb Fritch and his wife Barbara also made a donation, along with former owner Craig and Helen Leipold, the Minnesota Wild, the Dallas Stars, the St. Louis Blues, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Florida Panthers and the Milwaukee Admirals.

Bridgestone and Ford Ice also collected tornado relief supplies.

Meanwhile, the Predators sold Nashville Strong shirts, stickers and posters and began using their game-day auctions to contribute to tornado relief.

Through players, coaches and management, the franchise also set up a $1 million fund to help ensure employees would be paid for canceled events and Predators games at Bridgestone Arena after the SEC men's basketball tournament, Predators games and concerts were postponed because of COVID-19.

The team also held blood drives and has delivered meals to those working on the front lines of the pandemic, such as local law enforcement and the Vanderbilt Medical Center.

Coach John Hynes, general manager David Poile, Henry and broadcaster Terry Crisp also have made contributions to that effort.

“Through these initiatives and partnerships, we are able to assist the hundreds of event staff members who make Bridgestone Arena so successful, provide financial resources to hundreds of organizations that provide critical services throughout our market, show our appreciation to the essential operations and personnel during a crisis and help rebuild neighborhoods and communities in Middle Tennessee,” Henry said. “We hope and encourage others to join in offering resources and assistance as our community shows we truly are ‘Nashville Strong.’”

Some players also have taken initiative. Team captain Roman Josi donated $20,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank and another $20,000 to Home Street Home Ministries.

"It's been some tough times for the city of Nashville with the tornadoes and now the coronavirus," Josi said. "There's a lot of people who need help right now. I'm just trying to do my part."

Matt Duchene, Ryan Johansen, Josi and Pekka Rinne helped create a fund at two Dunkin' Donuts in Nashville (one on Elliston Place and the other on 21st Avenue) to help serve hospital workers who show an employee ID.

"Seeing how the people came together, starting with the tornadoes and now with the coronavirus, I think everybody is helping each other," Josi said. "It doesn't matter how big or small it is. ... It inspires everybody to do their part and inspired me to do my part, too."

The Predators Foundation also began distributing $700,000 in grants to 168 charitable and community service organizations earlier this month. Those receiving grants are allowed to reallocate funds to help with tornado and COVID-19 relief.

Cottage Cove Urban Ministries, which works with at-risk youth, received nearly $8,000, some of which is being used to help deliver meals to families while children aren't allowed in the facility.

"Without picking on other organizations, so many of the foundations out there are kind of secondary to the team," said Brent MacDonald, executive director of Cottage Cove Urban Ministries. "With the Nashville Predators, the foundation is really the heart of their team."

Reach Paul Skrbina at pskrbina@tennessean.com and follow him on Twitter @PaulSkrbina.

Help is on the way