Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage in Florida and continued its destruction in Georgia and Western North Carolina. Western North Carolina was flooded, and people were stuck in their houses, many having to hike down. These communities are struggling to rebuild and need all the help they can get. This column will explain ways to get involved with local groups to help these families and let you know you can always stay updated.
First, you could get involved with volunteer groups that help clean up, repair, and distribute efforts in the flooded areas. You can also donate. Many groups and many fire departments are contributing to help with donations. Examples include White Lake Fire Department, Clarkton Volunteer Fire Department, Foundation Church, Bladenboro Middle School, Boiling Spring Lakes Fire Rescue, Wrightsville Beach Fire Department, Whiteville police and fire departments, East Bladen High School Keyettes, and more. These groups donate water bottles, non-perishables, trash bags, toiletries, and more. Most of these supplies can help these communities directly and take a big step towards recovery. Bladen County Schools requested everyone in the school system to participate in the sock-tober event. During sock-tober, the school system collects socks for the families affected by the hurricane in Western North Carolina. Many groups participating in these events have previously received help from Western NC during numerous hurricanes and are returning the favor.
We learn more about this situation and how we can further help each day. NC State Extensions organize opportunities to help with storm recoveries. Extension leaders meet daily with these communities to coordinate supplies and aid. NCDA&CS and NC State have already started relief efforts, supplying fuel for emergency responders’ vehicles and equipment for Mills River.
It’s great to see schools and businesses in various counties join to help those at their lowest. People from all over NC are working to get families who survived this disaster the necessary things by leading efforts to help clean up, repair, and distribute hot meals. Knowing about this event and keeping yourself updated is not enough, you can help even in the smallest ways by reaching out to any of the organizations listed above. Social Media is a great way to find other ways you can help.