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Want to donate to people and animals in NC affected by Helene? Here’s how to help

By Chyna Blackmon and Julia Coin
Residents in Clyde begin cleaning up on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 after massive flooding damaged dozens of homes and businesses. The remnants of Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding, downed trees, and power outages in western North Carolina.
Residents in Clyde begin cleaning up on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 after massive flooding damaged dozens of homes and businesses. The remnants of Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding, downed trees, and power outages in western North Carolina. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

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Hurricane Helene Aftermath

Hurricane Helene swept across the Southeast, causing major flooding and destruction throughout North Carolina. Here is ongoing coverage from The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer about Hurricane Helene and the aftermath, particularly in Western North Carolina.

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Days after Hurricane Helene swept through the Southeast, many in North Carolina are struggling in the aftermath of the deadly storm that damaged homes, destroyed communities, flooded and washed away roads and left many stranded without food and water.

Officials expect a long road to recovery for those affected.

“This is going to be a tremendous effort in the short run — but looking at it in the long run with the hundreds of roads that are destroyed, communities that were wiped off the map— we have to make sure that we get in there, are smart about rebuilding, doing it in a more resilient way but right now, we’re saving lives and getting supplies to people who desperately, desperately need them,” Governor Roy Cooper said in an on-air interview with CNN Monday. Sept. 30.

Here are ways to help and donate, along with a list of things not to do.

NC Disaster Relief Fund

In partnership with United Way of North Carolina, Governor Cooper’s office is managing the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, which will go towards supporting nonprofits working on collecting food and water, cleaning supplies and other emergency supplies for victims.

You can make an online donation at nc.gov/donate. You can also make a contribution to the disaster fund by mailing donations to the following addresses:

  • NC Disaster Relief Fund, 20312 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-0312.

  • NC Disaster Relief Fund, c/o United Way of NC, 1130 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 100, Cary NC 27511.

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Organizations collecting donations, supplies for storm Helene

In addition to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, here’s a list of other organizations collecting donations and supplies to help those in need:

Americares

How to donate online: Visit my.americares.org.

American Red Cross

  • 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.

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 the 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

The Salvation Army

  • How to donate online: Visit give.helpsalvationarmy.org.

  • How to donate by mail: Send checks with the name of the disaster relief effort you wish to support to: The Salvation Army - Disaster Relief, PO BOX 1959, Atlanta, GA 30301.

  • How to donate by phone: Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).

You can also find more information and search for your local Salvation Army location online at southernusa.salvationarmy.org/north-south-carolina/.

Samaritan’s Purse

You can also find more information about how to volunteer in Watauga and Buncombe counties online at spvolunteer.org.

United Way

You can find specific chapters in counties around North Carolina to donate to online at unitedway.org/local/united-states/north-carolina.

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Charities helping animals in Western NC after Hurricane Helene

There are a number of good organizations working to aid animals suffering after Helene. Here are a few to start with.

Asheville Humane Society

The Asheville Humane Society has been Buncombe County’s critical safety net for animals since 1984. They have a 100% rating on Charity Navigator.

US Humane Society

The US Humane Society’s Animal Rescue Team is on the ground helping communities affected by Helene. As of Thursday, Oct. 3, donations were being matched by Fetch Pet Insurance. They have a 98% four-star rating on Charity Navigator.

Greater Good Charities

Greater Good Charities says its devoted to improving the health and well-being of people, pets and the planet. The group has teams on the ground in North Carolina, Georgia and Florida delivering emergency relief after Helene. As of Thursday, Oct. 3, donations were being matched by Purina. The group has a 96% approval on Charity Navigator.

More Helene disaster relief organizations in NC

Here’s a list of more vetted disaster relief organizations to make donations to online at ncdps.gov.

What items not to donate, what not to do

When supporting victims impacted by a storm, financial contributions are best to provide important and immediate services to provide help in need, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“Financial contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are the fastest, most flexible and most effective method of donating,” the agency’s website says. “Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through businesses local to the disaster, which supports economic recovery.”

Though it may seem helpful, FEMA says used clothing is never needed and recommends connecting with organizations about what may be needed before contributing supplies.

At this time, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety is also discouraging anyone from sending physical donations or volunteers to western NC.

Ask the North Carolina Service Journalism Team

Questions about life in North Carolina? Or have a tip or story idea you’d like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you.

You can submit your question by filling out this form.

This story was originally published September 30, 2024 at 10:32 AM with the headline "Want to donate to people and animals in NC affected by Helene? Here’s how to help."

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Chyna Blackmon
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Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription
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Hurricane Helene Aftermath

Hurricane Helene swept across the Southeast, causing major flooding and destruction throughout North Carolina. Here is ongoing coverage from The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer about Hurricane Helene and the aftermath, particularly in Western North Carolina.

Back to Story