How to support Helene storm victims in Western NC this holiday season
The season of giving is upon us and ahead of Giving Tuesday, several organizations are still working to support those affected by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
Helene swept through the state as a tropical storm in late September. While many roadways, businesses and landmarks have since reopened, recovery efforts are still underway to help those still in need.
So far, over $14 million has been donated to the state’s relief fund to meet the immediate needs of storm victims with food and water, cleaning products and other emergency supplies, Gov. Roy Cooper recently announced, with donations from across the country and around the world.
“The road to recovery from Hurricane Helene is steep and challenging, but North Carolina is determined to succeed and every one of these donations helps,” Cooper said. “We are heartened to see so many people continuing to support Western North Carolina and we are deeply grateful for each dollar donated.”
NC Disaster Relief Fund
Donations are still being collected for the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund online at nc.gov/donate. You can also make a contribution by mail:
NC Disaster Relief Fund
20312 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-0312.
Organizations supporting Helene storm victims
In addition to the state’s relief fund, which is managed in partnership with United Way of North Carolina, here is a list of other organizations accepting contributions to serve communities struggling after the storm:
Americares
How to donate online: Visit my.americares.org.
The American Red Cross North Carolina Region
How to donate online: Visit redcross.org/donate
How to donate by mail: Send a check donation form and check to: American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839. To send via FedEx or UPS, send check and donation form to American Red Cross, c/o CDS Global, 2005 Lakewood Drive, Boone, IA 50036.
How to donate by phone: Text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to donate to American Red Cross Disaster Relief or call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669).
You can find more information about how to help, including blood donations and being a volunteer, online at redcross.org.
Appalachian State Disaster Relief Fund
How to donate online: You can contribute to the Appalachian State Disaster Relief Fund by visiting appstate.edu/disaster-relief/.
Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation
How to donate online: Visit boonechamber.com/foundation.
CARE
How to donate online: my.care.org.
How to donate by mail: Send in donation form with check or credit card information to: CARE, Gift Center, P.O. Box 1870, Merrifield VA 22116-8070
How to donate by phone: Call 1-800-422-7385.
You can find more information about how to make a donation, including how to wire transfer contributions, online at care.org.
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
How to donate online: Visit cfwnc.fcsuite.com.
How to donate by mail: Checks can be mailed to: CFWNC, 4 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Suite 300, Asheville, NC 28803, with a note that contribution should benefit the Emergency and Disaster Response Fund.
YMCA
How to donate to YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly online: Visit blueridgeassembly.org/storm-relief/.
How to donate to YMCA of Western North Carolina online: Visit ymcawnc.org/give.
How to donate to Williams YMCA of Avery County online: Visit ymcaavery.com/hurricane-helene-updates/.
According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, the best way to support those in need is with monetary donations, but if you’d like to volunteer your time to help this holiday season, you can register at nc.gov/volunteernc or by contacting one of the NC VOADS (www.ncvoad.org/members).
“Cash donations offer voluntary agencies and faith-based organizations the most flexibility to address urgently developing needs,” NC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster President Kristy Kulberg previously said in a press release.
“With cash in hand, these organizations can obtain needed resources nearer to the disaster location. This inflow of cash also pumps money back into the local economy and helps local businesses recover faster.”
This story was originally published November 21, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "How to support Helene storm victims in Western NC this holiday season."
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