Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane, and has since gained strength and continued to travel across the Southeast, resulting in devastating winds and flooding, which have now taken the lives of dozens of Americans.
Western North Carolina has felt the worst of it, as extreme floods have washed away homes and buildings, damaged roads, and largely cut off power in the region. Some residents have had to be evacuated from their houses via helicopter. Governor Roy Cooper said on Saturday that supplies were being airlifted to that part of the state.
Authorities say at least 128 people across six states—including 56 in North Carolina—have died as a cause of the storm, while dozens more remain missing.
Below is a list of organizations that are accepting donations to help those in need in North Carolina.
North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund donations “will go to nonprofits working to meet the immediate needs of storm victims, such as food and water, cleaning supplies, and other emergency supplies. All of the donations made will go to disaster relief.” DONATE HERE
Operation Airdrop provides rapid relief to communities hit by natural disasters, such as Hurricane Helene. Founded in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the nonprofit mobilizes volunteer pilots and different aircraft to deliver essential supplies to areas cut off from traditional aid routes. “Our mission focuses on delivering essential supplies, hot meals, and support to communities affected by the storm,” it says. Apart from monetary donations, the organization accepts pilot volunteers, on-the-ground volunteers, and donations of supplies. DONATE HERE
World Central Kitchen is on the ground in four states impacted by the storm, serving meals to those in need. “By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of local restaurants, food trucks, or emergency kitchens, WCK serves comforting meals to survivors of disasters quickly and effectively. We know that good food provides not only nourishment, but also comfort and hope, especially in times of crisis,” the group says on its website. DONATE HERE
The American Red Cross is on the ground distributing meals and supplies to communities affected by the storm. DONATE HERE
The Salvation Army is providing “emergency aid, food, drinks, emotional and spiritual care, and long-term recovery services to survivors and rescue workers” affected by the storm. DONATE HERE
Samaritan’s Purse’s thousands of volunteers provide emergency aid to victims of tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters in the United States. The group currently has a presence in five areas where Helene has caused destruction. DONATE HERE
Baptists on Mission is responding in the aftermath of Helene in the mountains of western North Carolina. “We’ve set up feeding units at First Baptist Boone and Biltmore Baptist in Arden. In addition, we’re setting up recovery sites in Boone, Spruce Pine, Hendersonville, and Marion,” a message on the group’s website states. It is asking for volunteers and taking item donations here. DONATE HERE
Mercy Chefs is on the ground in North Carolina and Florida, distributing meals to those in need. DONATE HERE
GlobalGiving - Hurricane Helene Relief Fund works with local organizations to ensure aid reaches the hardest-hit communities quickly and effectively. Donations help meet immediate needs for food, fuel, clean water, hygiene products, medicine and medical supplies, and shelter. DONATE HERE
Project HOPE is sending emergency response teams to impacted regions of the Carolinas to provide medical and relief supplies to the affected communities. DONATE HERE
American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, has a team of specially-trained first responders on the ground “to help rescue, shelter, feed, and care for the animal victims of this disaster—a vulnerable group that’s often overlooked,” they said. DONATE HERE
