CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Helene hit the Florida coast as a Category 4 hurricane late Thursday night. It tore through the Sunshine State, up through Georgia, and into the Carolinas. Now, neighbors in both North Carolina and South Carolina are in need of a hand in the wake of the storm.
WCNC Charlotte has partnered with the American Red Cross to help gather donations to go to efforts that will help people impacted by Helene. We've launched a special web page where you can either select a monetary amount or enter your own. You can make donations using a credit card or PayPal account.
If you wish to donate by mail, you can print and fill out a donation form and mail it to:
American Red Cross
PO Box 37839
Boone, IA 50037-0839
Donations can also be made via phone at:
1-800-435-7669
TDD Operator: 1-800-220-4095
Donate money
Donate supplies
WCNC Charlotte has partnered with the nonprofit Operation Airdrop to get much-needed supplies to the mountain counties.
A supply donor drop-off location is in the parking lot of Walmart near Concord Regional Airport. The address is 5825 Thunder Road NW Concord, NC 28027. The donation site is the Miracle Movers truck.
Operation Airdrop has identified multiple destinations, with the largest being Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). They are also working to reach additional locations including Boone that have significant needs, including remote areas.
Water distribution in Boone
On Sept. 28, Matthews-based grocer Harris Teeter announced it will provide free bottled water in Boone for residents affected by the current boil water notice.
The distribution in Boone will happen Sunday, Sept. 29, at 10 a.m. at the Harris Teeter store at 240 Shadowline Drive, located in the Shops at Shadowline. It will continue while supplies last. Families will receive up to two 24-packs of bottled water.
More ways to help
Harris Teeter has also launched a Round Up campaign so customers can pitch in. Beginning at all stores on Sunday, Sept. 29, customers can round up their purchase to the nearest whole dollar at checkout to benefit the Red Cross. The campaign will last for 30 days, with 100% of funds raised going to the Red Cross. The grocer also encouraged customers to help in other ways if possible.
Helping first responders
Another way you can help is by supporting emergency crews working to help those in need of help immediately.
The Kannapolis Fire Department said it has a crew working in the mountains around the clock for the last several days. They need food, water, and hygienic supplies as they continue to work to provide immediate assistance.
Donations can be brought to Fire Station #1, located at 300 Firehouse Drive, or to Fire Station #5 at 2046 Barr Road. The department is asking for the following:
- Water
- Sports drinks
- Hydration packs
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Plastic utensils
- Trash bags
- Non-perishable foods
- Energy bars
- Cleaning supplies
- Hand sanitizer
- Paper products
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Single-serving snacks
- Sanitizer wipes
How Can You Stay Safe After a Flood?
Prevent Injuries
- Understand the dangers you may face and keep your loved ones safe.
- If you evacuated, wait for officials to say it is safe before going home.
- Avoid fallen power lines, poles, and wires. They can electrocute you.
- Watch out for falling trees and other debris.
- Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns, rather than candles, to reduce fire risk.
- Many injuries happen during cleanup. Wear protective equipment, like boots, long pants, work gloves, eyewear, and an N95 respirator to protect your lungs. Follow the advice of local public health officials.
- Learn how to use equipment safely. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water because you could get electrocuted.
- Cleaning up is a big job. Take care of yourself. Work with a partner and take frequent breaks.
Protect Your Health
- Flooding can contaminate drinking water. Check with your local public health department about drinking water safety.
- Don’t get sick from eating spoiled food. Throw out food that got wet or warm. When in doubt, throw it out!
- Stay away from floodwaters. They may contain sewage, sharp items, and chemicals that can make you ill.
- If your home was flooded:
- If possible, dry your home and everything in it as quickly as you can within 24 to 48 hours.
- If you cannot return to dry your home within 24 to 48 hours, you should assume you have mold growth. When it is safe to return home, completely dry everything, clean up the mold and make sure you don’t still have a moisture problem.
- Keep wet areas well-ventilated. Throw away wet materials that can’t be repaired or dried.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, tent, or camper – or even outside near an open window. Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, but it can kill you fast. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away – do not delay.
Take Care of Yourself
- It's normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress, or anxiety.
- Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
- You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
The need for volunteers with the Red Cross and Samaritan's Purse may be significant in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
If you or someone you know would like to volunteer with Samaritan's Purse, click here.
To find out more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer, click here.
The American National Red Cross is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to the American National Red Cross are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The Red Cross' tax identification number is 53-0196605.
Teppers step up
In the wake of Helene's destruction, The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation announced it would be donating an initial $3 million to relief efforts across the Carolinas in partnership with the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC. The funds will support immediate and long-term humanitarian aid and recovery efforts.
“The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation, Carolina Panthers, and Charlotte FC stand alongside all those who have been affected by Hurricane Helene and the devastation it has wrought across the southeast, and particularly in our backyard throughout the Carolinas,” a statement from the Teppers read. “This is our home and we are committed to supporting relief efforts throughout the region by providing critical resources and aiding the efforts of our heroic first responders. The impact on our community has been severe, but Carolinians are resilient and courageous, and together, we will rebuild and recover.”