In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impacts on western North Carolina, Dare County encourages members of the Outer Banks community to provide much-needed assistance to those who have been affected by the storm, which caused severe damage and destruction across the western portion of the state last week.
“The impacts of this disaster have come into clearer focus, prompting a strong desire from North Carolinians to help our neighbors in need,” said North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray. “Round-the-clock operations are underway to bring these supplies to all communities that have been impacted by this storm. We are grateful that people are willing to help and encourage them to give in ways that are most useful to impacted communities and those working on the ground to help them.”
While organizing donation drives and dropping off various items that individuals and families who have been affected by the storm may need can be helpful, this particular approach to assisting in the recovery and relief efforts may not be the most effective way to assist impacted communities at this time.
“It’s humbling to be a small part of the effort underway at our state Emergency Operations Center to meet the needs of disaster survivors in western North Carolina,” said Dare County Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson. “I encourage everyone that wants to help to do what our state emergency management professionals ask: make a monetary donation or join a volunteer organization active in disaster. Doing so will help ensure both immediate and long-term needs can be fulfilled.”
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There are several ways to help those impacted by the storm, including monetary donations and volunteering to support the ongoing relief and recovery efforts that are currently underway. Monetary donations to reputable relief organizations can provide immediate resources for displaced families and individuals, as well as infrastructure repairs and essential supplies. Additionally, volunteer efforts are crucial in helping to clear debris, assess and repair damage, distribute supplies and restore services for those hardest hit by the devastating storm.
“Our community has been on the receiving end of incredible generosity from our neighbors throughout the state many times over the years when we’ve been impacted by hurricanes and storms,” said Dare County Manager Bobby Outten. “People from across the state of North Carolina have always stepped up to help us in our time of need, and now it’s our opportunity to return the favor and assist the communities to our west that have been impacted so severely. By offering support through monetary donations and volunteer assistance, we not only show our unity as a state but can ultimately help bring some desperately needed relief to those whose lives have been forever changed by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.”
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Make a Donation:
While all offers to assist those who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene are appreciated, coordination and strategic planning for donations, volunteers and other services is critical to the recovery response in western North Carolina. Dare County Emergency Management recommends that anyone who wishes to provide financial donations do so through the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund.
Donations made to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund will go directly to nonprofit organizations 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 through this fund will go to disaster relief.
How to Donate:
Those who would like to make a financial contribution to help assist the survivors of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina can currently do so online or by mail.
Online: To make a monetary donation to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund online, please visit NC.gov/Donate or click the button below.
By Mail: To make a monetary donation by mail, please send checks to one of the following locations:
- 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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Volunteer to Help:
Volunteers are also needed to assist with the relief and recovery efforts that are currently underway throughout the many communities in western North Carolina that were affected by the storm.
A variety of volunteer opportunities are available through North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NCVOAD), which helps coordinate the appropriate response to realities on the ground in the impacted areas.
Volunteers can sign up to serve as an individual, family or group. Those who would like to volunteer can find more information about available opportunities and sign up to serve with a safe and experienced NCVOAD partner by visiting ncvoad.org/volunteer or clicking the button below.
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