How & Where To Donate To Help Victims of Hurricane Helene

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Hello Everyone, Lexi here.

I normally focus on photography & travel content, but in light of the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina & surrounding areas, I wanted to use this platform to share  information about how outsiders may help. Although I am not currently in the area, I am from North Georgia and I have friends and family who live in the Asheville area. I have been in contact with them and they are sheltering in place. From what they’ve shared and from sources online, relief efforts are underway but there are some areas lacking essential resources like food, water and power. 

From what others have shared, linemen and disaster relief workers are working tirelessly to restore utilities like water & power, but it may take weeks until utilities are restored for several areas. Resources like food, gas, drinking water, clothing, etc are needed. 

I hope this post can provide resources to those outside of the area and are looking to help. If you CAN help, PLEASE help! I’ll do my best to keep this updated & accurate, but if you need the latest information & official statements, please look toward local sources. 

If you’ve been affected by the hurricane and are reading this, I hope you are staying safe and doing okay. Help is on their way! If you are experiencing an emergency, most news sources are saying 911 is still the best resource to call for help to let someone know you need attention. 

If you have any updates or requested edits for anything discussed here, please leave a comment on this blog post below or reach out to me. I will be updating as needed. 

Source: B. Wilson of Brevard, NC

Travel Advisory: Do Not Travel to affected areas

Officials are urging the public to avoid traveling to Western North Carolina & affected areas. Governor Roy Cooper stated, “Please stay off Western North Carolina roads so that emergency responders, utility crews, and desperately needed supplies can get through. We don’t need people visiting Western North Carolina viewing the damage.”

How You Can Help

Staying Informed

For ongoing updates, please monitor these sources:

  • CNN Live Updates: Live Updates
  • North Carolina Weather Authority: Live Updates on Facebook
  • NC Department of Public Safety: Offers updates on cleanup efforts, road closures, and more. Visit their site.
  • The Weather Channel: Weather Forecast
  • Social Media: I’ve found that social media, especially TikTok, has been a quick & direct way to get information. Social Media live streams are also an excellent way to connect with people & get firsthand reports.

A person by the handle of “mindfulgeeks” has make a linktree with an excellent list of relief resources. I don’t know this person, but this is a very thorough list for both affected locals & outsiders looking to help, so I’m going to link it here: https://linktr.ee/mindfulgeek

Supplies Donations & drop off points by Area:

I hope this page finds the right people. This list is not exhaustive, there are several people, businesses & organizations arranging relief efforts in various areas. Some of these drop off points may be time sensitive, and I have also done my best to arrange these by location but there may be some errors. If you have anything to add, please leave a comment with information and I will do my best to update. 

Monetary Donations: 

  • UNITED WAY – United Way, a social services organization, is accepting donations as they mobilize resources to help those affected. You can give here.
  • AMERICAN RED CROSS – The Red Cross is fully activated to assist with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. You can help with the hurricane relief efforts by donating to the Red Cross. Donations enable the Red Cross to respond to and help people recover from disastrous storms. You can donate here.
  • SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK – Second Harvest Food Bank is working to support those affected by Helene. The food bank is hosting a virtual food and fund drive and it’s live on their website. To donate, click here.
  • NC Disaster Relief Fund: The Governor’s Disaster Relief Fund is taking donations to help communities in need. Donate here.
  • East Tennessee Foundation is an official source to make monetary donations to impacted counties. Visit easttennesseefoundation.org.
  • Local chapters of the national coalition Voluntary Organizations Active In Disaster are asking for only cash donations for recovery efforts in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
  • The Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities in the state.
  • Feeding America is collecting funds to provide meals and supplies to impacted areas.
  • GoFundMe is organizing its own fundraiser for disaster relief efforts.

North Carolina:

Davidson County:

Buncombe County:

Carteret County:

  • Broad and Gales Creek Fire Department: Crews along with other local Fire-EMS stations across Carteret County are hosting a supply drive to support western North Carolina’s recovery efforts due to Helene. Essential supplies can be dropped off at Broad and Gales Creek Fire Department, 3010 Hwy 24, in Newport, through October 3, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. (source: ABC12)

Craven County:

  • The City of New Bern is collecting relief supplies for victims of Tropical Storm Helene in the western part of our state. Beginning Tuesday, October 1st, non-perishable goods and cleaning supplies will be collected at five sites listed below. All facilities are open Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm unless otherwise noted. (source: ABC12) 
      • City Hall, 300 Pollock Street
      • West New Bern Recreation Center, 1225 Pine Tree Drive
      • Pleasant Hill Community Center, 424 NC 55 Hwy – donations accepted Monday through Friday from 4pm-6pm
      • New Bern Farmer’s Market, 421 S. Front Street – donations accepted Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8am-5pm
      • National Night Out, Union Point Park, 210 E. Front Street – supplies will be collected from 5pm-8pm during the National Night Out event.

Pitt County:

  • Our deputies leave for the Asheville area early Tuesday. They are taking a load of donated supplies; water, personal hygiene items, non-perishable food, etc. to help those in need. Our office at 100 New Hope Rd is taking donations to be distributed. We are unable to accept used clothing at this time, but new clothing is acceptable. (source: ABC12)

Pamlico County:

  • Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office: The Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office will be teaming up with several other organizations in Pamlico County to be a drop-off point for supplies, for those in Western NC that need help. (source: ABC12)

Onslow County:

  • Onslow County Sheriff’s Office: The sheriff’s office is collecting supplies to aid victims impacted by Helene. Collections began Oct. 1 and will run until Oct. 9.
    Lt. Schmitz will be in the Sheriff’s Office parking lot with a truck and trailer on the following days:
    October 1st from 3pm to 6pm
    October 3rd from 12pm to 7pm
    October 6th from 1pm to 5pm

(source: ABC12)

Forsyth County:

  • Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools stepped up to provide aid to school districts in western North Carolina. Four WS/FCS staff members volunteered to deploy, bringing heavy equipment and machinery, loaded up by the district’s facilities department, to support Buncombe County Schools. WS/FCS Superintendent Tricia McManus and Watauga County Superintendent Leslie Alexander, who previously worked for WS/FCS, put together a plan to collect donations of water on Oct. 1 in a special event they’re calling “Water for Watauga.” They’ll be collecting cases of bottled water, and anyone can donate at 475 Corporate Square Drive between 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. “Watauga and Buncombe County and other schools throughout the region face a long recovery,” McManus said in a statement. “Let’s show them they are not alone. Thanks for your kindness and support!” Help is also coming from Forsyth County first responders and community groups. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Winston-Salem Police Department, Winston-Salem Fire Department, Winston-Salem Forsyth County Branch of the NAACP and other local faith and political leaders teamed up to collect donations. They’ll be accepting donations from noon to 7 p.m. each day until Wednesday outside of the Forsyth County Public Safety Center, located at 301 North Church Street. The organizations are specifically asking for non-perishable foods, bottled water, diapers, formula, baby wipes, hygiene products, first-aid kits and packaged socks. (source: Fox News)

Greensboro:

  • The YMCA of Greensboro and multiple Greensboro-area groups are working together to gather items for people in need in western North Carolina. Donations can be dropped off at YMCA of Greensboro branch locations and Camp Weaver. They’ll be accepting donation “until further notice to support our community during this challenging time.” The City of Greensboro added that collection bins will be at the GuilfordWorks career centers in Greensboro and High Point for the YMCA of Greensboro to collect. The city says donated items can be dropped off at the following GuilfordWorks career center locations:
    • 301 S. Greene St., Suite 200, Greensboro, NC 27401
    • 2301 W. Meadowview Rd., Greensboro, NC 27407
    • 607 Idol St., High Point, NC 27262

    To help those most affected, the YMCA of Greensboro is collaborating with New Garden Landscaping, Buds and Blooms Nursery, and Gossett’s Nursery. Donations will be taken to South Valley Gardens in Newland, N.C., for distribution. (source: Fox News)

Rockingham County:

  • Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office:

    The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office and Floyd Missionary Baptist Church of Stoneville will be collecting supplies over the next two weeks. The sheriff’s office says donations can be dropped off at the lobby of the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, located at 130 Justice Center Drive in Reidsville, any hour any day through Oct. 13. They will accept donations of bottled water, flashlights, batteries and non-perishable food items. Floyd Missionary Baptist Church will be delivering the items to western North Carolina (source: Fox News)

Beaufort County:

  • Residents wanting to donate food and supplies to aid storm recovery victims in Western North Carolina can do so at the following locations:
    • Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office rear entrance (M-F) any time.
    • Washington Walmart Super Center (M-F) 10am – 2pm
    • Sidney Volunteer Fire Department today until 10pm or tomorrow 10/1 from 7am 10pm. Call SVFD Captain Harper at 252-944-3162 to arrange drop off after 10/1.
    • Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Aurora Substation Wednesday 10am – 2pm

 (source: ABC12)

Martin County:

  • A donation drive for Western NC is underway to help provide aid to those impacted by Helene. Donations are being accepted at the Martin Community College Library located at 1161 Kehukee Park Road in Williamston. Donations will be accepted from October 1st to 9th. The cut-off time is 12:00 noon. The following items are needed:
    • Water
    • Gatorade
    • Non-perishable foods
    • Hygiene products
    • Baby products

 (source: ABC12)

South Carolina:

Charleston County:

  • The CODfather, Proper Fish & Chips: The restaurant in North Charleston’s Park Circle area has been collecting items and taking trips to places in western North Carolina impacted by the storm and devastating flooding. You can drop relief items off at 4254 Spruill Ave. during regular business hours. (source: News 2) 
  • Fred Anderson Toyota Charleston:

    The Toyota dealership at 2100 Savannah Highway has been set up as a donation center. It will take water and non-perishable items for those in need and deliver them to western North Carolina communities. (source: News 2) 

  • Pet Helpers: In response to the needs following Helen’s destruction, Pet Helpers has organized two supply drives. One is at Pet Helpers on 1447 Folly Road, and the second is at Animal Helpers Retail on 1376 Savannah Highway. Local businesses have teamed up with the organization to accept essential supplies for cats and dogs, including collars, leashes, harnesses, canned food, dry food, cat litter, and more. Supplies will be taken to Aiken County. (source: News 2) 

Folly Beach:

  • Folly Beach is collecting much-needed items for storm victims. Donations can be dropped off at 21 Center Street in the lobby of the police department, fire department bays, or city hall during business hours. A donation deadline is October 2 by 3 p.m., as items will be collected and taken to areas in need. The city asks people to stick to the approved list to ensure all items can be accepted. They are unable to accept used clothes, water (due to weight), most chemicals (including bleach), fuel, and flammable items. (source: News 2)

Georgetown County:

  • Georgetown County Fire and EMS: Georgetown County Fire and EMS is accepting non-perishable donations at Station 4 located at 11309 Pleasant Hill Road in Hemingway. Accepted items include food, water, flashlights, hygiene products, diapers, wipes, baby food, and infant formula. (source: News 2)
  • Georgetown First Assembly: Those in Georgetown can drop off supplies at Georgetown First Assembly on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The supplies will be flown to the Asheville-area daily by a local pilot. Those who want to support with a monetary donation can do so here to help purchase fuel for the planes carrying supplies. (source: ABC News)

Harbor Lake Baptist Church

  • Harbor Lake at 1056 Red Bank Road in Goose Creek is now gathering donations for a second wave of trucks that will leave later this week. People can drop off water, Gatorade, non-perishable food items, cat and dog items, toiletries, and other comfort items. (source: News 2)

Isle Of Palms:

  • Isle of Palms police are accepting donations, which can be dropped off at the first floor of the Public Safety Building, located at 30 JC Long Blvd, anytime between now and Wednesday. Used clothing, water, HAZMAT, most chemicals, fuel, and flammable materials will not be accepted. Water and liquids cannot be accepted due to helicopter weight limits. (source: News 2)

Murrells Inlet businesses

  • Murrells Inlet Fishing Charters, Perry’s Bait and Tackle Shop, and Murrells Inlet Outpost are accepting donations of nonperishable food, baby formula and supplies, batteries, flashlights, animal food, personal hygiene items, and water to help flooding victims. Drop off items at any of the three shops off Highway 17 Business and they will go directly to families affected. (source: News 2) 

Myrtle Beach: 

  • Black’s Tire and Auto Service All Black’s Tire & Auto Service locations will be collecting items and donations for Helene victims. Items will be accepted at BTS until further notice. There are multiple BTS locations in Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas. (source: ABC News)
  • Innovative Real Estate All Myrtle Beach-area offices will be collecting items needed for families throughout Western North Carolina on Monday and Tuesday. The items will be taken to the area on Wednesday by a local relief organization.  (source: ABC News)
  • Kosta Bowls All Kosta Bowls locations will be collecting donations for Western North Carolina. For more information click here. (source: ABC News)
  • Southern House of Pancakes: Southern House of Pancakes is partnering with Spokes of Hope and Salt Life Church to bring aid to the hurricane victims. Donations can be dropped off at the Southern House of Pancakes 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. with pickup on Wednesday. The Famous Toastary in Carolina Forest and Beach Church are all acting as drop-off locations for supplies, which will be flown or driven into cities in need. (source: ABC News)
  • Crooked Hammock Brewery: Crooked Hammock Brewery in North Myrtle Beach will collect donations until Tuesday at 4 p.m. to be transported back to North Carolina. (source: ABC News)

York County:

  • Operation Airdrop (Concord, SC): Drop-off point for supplies to be airlifted to North Carolina. (source: NC 211). Operation Air-Drop is currently registering and dispatching volunteer pilots with their own planes out of Concord Padgett Regional Airport. Donations of relief supplies are being accepted in the Walmart Parking lot near Concord Mills. For those interested in flying or volunteering, find complete information about Operation Airdrop. (source: QC News)

Tennessee:

Statewide:

  • East Tennessee State University is collecting items to build flood buckets and hygiene kits. They are also conducting a blood drive on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Details on how to donate can be found at www.etsu.edu. (source: WKRN News)
  • Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee asked for donations to be made so they can continue to distribute food and water where it is needed most. Donate by calling 423-279-0430 or online. (source: WKRN News)
  • The Salvation Army of Kentucky and Tennessee has already begun providing critical help to the flood-impacted areas, and now request donations as they continue their efforts. Donations can be made at helpsalvationarmy.org or by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY. (source: WKRN News)
  • Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology is collecting bottled water for flood victims at all of its locations this week. Individuals involved with TCAT’s truck driving program will be delivering the items to East Tennessee. You can find a full list of TCAT locations at www.tbr.edu. (source: WKRN News)
  • United Way of East Tennessee Highlands serves a multiple impacted counties. You can donate to their disaster relief fund at unitedwayetnh.org. To help additional United Way locations, click here.  (source: WKRN News)

Clay County:

  • Clay County Emergency Management Agency is collecting flashlights, batteries, hygiene items, cleaning supplies and more. Donations can be brought to 143 Cordell Hull Dr. in Celina. For more information, click here. (source: WKRN News)

Franklin County: 

Hickman County: 

Lincoln County

  •  is collecting supply donations for East Tennessee at four locations until Wednesday afternoon. They will accept bottled water, large trash bags, baby products, toiletries, cleaning supplies and non-perishable foods. Click here for more details.
    • Lincoln County High School, 1233 Huntsville Hwy., Fayetteville, Tenn.
    • Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 353 Stewarts Chapel Rd., Flintville, Tenn.
    • First United Methodist Church, 200 Elk Ave. N., Fayetteville, Tenn.
    • Park City Baptist Church, 2809 Huntsville Way, Fayetteville, Tenn.
  • Fayetteville Public Utilities will also accept donations until Wednesday, Oct. 2 at noon. Drop-offs can be made at 408 College St. W. in Fayetteville. For more information, click here (source: WKRN News)

Perry County

  • Perry County Sheriff’s Office is collecting bottled water, gas cans, baby formula and plastic totes. Drop-offs will be accepted at the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lobelville Public Works Building. For more information and times click here. (source: WKRN News)

Putnam County

  • Cookeville High School will accept donations from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 1 and 2. Donations of trash bags, non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies and more will be brought to the flood victims in Cocke County. Click here for more details. (source: WKRN News)

Sumner County

  • Beech High School in Hendersonville is collecting bottles and jugs of water, travel-sized toiletries and more. Donations can be dropped off in the main lobby of the school until Oct. 4.
  • Exit Reality Garden Gate Team in Portland will accept water and non-perishable food items until Oct. 2 at 5 p.m. Items can be dropped off at 109 Main St. Call 615-405-8830 for details.
  • Halltown Church will be collecting toiletries, water, canned goods and more starting on Oct. 1. Donations can be dropped off in the parking lot of Halltown Church at 120 Dink Rut Rd. in Portland. The items will be taken to victims in North Carolina and Tennessee on Oct. 11. For more information click here.
  • Sumner Co. has three additional locations to bring donations that have been organized by local residents. They are in need of baby essentials, cleaning supplies and more. More info here.
  • Shannon Insurance Agency, 805 S. Broadway, Portland, Tenn.
    • Donations are accepted until Oct. 3 at 4 p.m.
  • Oak Grove General Store, 110 Fairfield Rd. Bethpage, Tenn.
    • Oct. 1 and Oct. 3
    • 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Portland Nazarene Church, 409 S. Russell St., Portland, Tenn.
    • Oct. 2 from 4-7 p.m.
    • Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon

(source: WKRN News)

Warren County

  • McMinnville Fire Department will hold a donation drive until Oct. 4. The fire department accepts bottled water, food items, personal hygiene items and more. Items can be dropped off at McMinnville City Fire Department Stations 1 or 2, or at Woodmont Baptist Church. Click here for more details. (source: WKRN News)

Wayne County

  • Collinwood High School is accepting donations of bottled water and paper products. Drop offs can be made in the school’s office at 401 N. Trojan Blvd. in Collinwood. (source: WKRN News)

Wilson County

  • MJ 4 Hope out of Mt. Juliet has started to collect donations for people affected by Hurricane Helene. Click here to donate to their East Tennessee disaster relief fund. (source: WKRN News)
  • True Rescue volunteers are in North Carolina assisting with animal rescues. To help care for the animals being rescued from flooded shelters and people in the area, the shelter is accepting financial donations, pet food and supplies. Donations can be dropped off at True Rescue Shelter at 12110 Lebanon Rd. in Mt. Juliet. (source: WKRN News)
  • The Lebanon Fire Department is hosting a donation at their headquarters, located at 520 Coles Ferry Pike. Fire officials said they will receive donations from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice. For information about donations, click here. (source: WKRN News)

Other areas:

If you live in an area that’s not near a location listed above, the Voluntary Organizations Active In Disaster has a vetted list of disaster nonprofits that are accepting donations. That being said, many other organizations and communities have come together to assist with relief so there may be other opportunities in your area to help. 

Other kinds of donations

I encourage you to talk to your local donation sites about their capabilities for sending relief.

Additional Resources

  • FEMA Assistance: Homeowners and renters in 25 counties may be eligible for disaster assistance for damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Apply through the FEMA App or by calling 800-621-3362. More information can be found on FEMA’s website.
  • NC Department of Public Safety: Offers updates on cleanup efforts, road closures, and more. Visit their site.
  • Crisis Cleanup Hotline: Homeowners needing debris cleanup can call 844-965-1386 for free assistance.

Help Where You Can

Every donation can make a significant difference in the Southeast’s recovery. Donations, volunteers, and relief aid will be needed for weeks & months to come, so be patient and continue to check in with your loved ones & local news reports. Check back as I update this page with more resources and information as it becomes available.

Love and care to everyone affected by Hurricane Helene, 

Lexi

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