Ways to help Western North Carolina

Dear friends and valued clients,

As many of you know, our neighbors in Western North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida have been devastated by Hurricane Helene and now Hurricane Milton yesterday. It is truly heartbreaking and I've been continuously thinking about what more I can do. Then it occurred to me to share this with you! While recovery will take time, even the smallest contributions can make a meaningful difference. Together, we can help rebuild and support these communities. Below are some items and locations where you can donate. I encourage you to lend a hand in any way that you can. A little goes a long way, and your kindness can make an incredible impact. Let’s come together and show our support.

Thank you for being part of this effort!

How you can communicate even if your cell service is out.
When cell service is down you can send iPhone texts via Satellite
This feature is available to iPhone 14, 15, and 16 models that have upgraded to iOS 18. All iPhone users receiving your messages should be running iOS 18, too. Update your software under Settings> General > Software Update. If you're up-to-date, you can send iMessage or SMS texts to anyone when you don't have cellular or WiFi coverage.

Please consider donating the following:
*Bottled Water
*Non-perishable foods (canned goods, dried fruit, nuts, energy bars, powdered packets/liquid energy drinks, crackers and peanut butter, rice, and beans)
*Infant essentials (baby formula, diapers and wipes)
*Toiletries/Sanitary items
*Pet Food
*Manual can openers
*Trash bags
*Plastic plates/utensils
*Plastic sheeting/tarps
*Battery-operated/cordless fans (be sure batteries are charged)
*Flashlights and batteries
*Generator

Drop-off Locations:
 
Canopy Realtor® Association
1120 Pearl Park Way
Charlotte, NC 28204
Drop off supplies Mon. – Fri.  8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Please bring items to the second floor
 
Gaston Association of Realtors®
2923 Audrey Drive
Gastonia, NC 28054
Drop off supplies Tues. – Fri. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Other ways to help:

Believe it or not, you can help by just attending a concert!
Concert For Carolina features Luke Combs, Eric Church, Billy Strings, James Taylor and more
100% of the proceeds go directly to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts in the Carolina Region
Tickets are on sale on Thursday, October 10th at 10 AM EST
Ticketmaster.com
https://www.concertforcarolina.com/

North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund
https://pay.payitgov.com/nc
 
Buncombe County (Asheville region)
• To donate: helenedonations@buncombecounty.org
• To volunteer: helenevolunteers@buncombecounty.org 

NC REALTORS®
https://www.ncrealtors.org/hurricane-helene/

Operation Airdrop
For a week, the nonprofit Operation Airdrop collected donated supplies and flew them from Concord to western North Carolina for Hurricane Helene relief. At the end of the week, they announced they are continuing to support western North Carolina communities by transitioning operations to ground convoys organized and dispatched by Miracle Movers of Charlotte and the Altitude Project.
Miracle Movers will continue to collect supplies at the Concord Mills Walmart, 5825 Thunder Rd NW Concord, NC 28027.
An updated list of supplies needed include:
* Hiking foods like jerky, nut mix, granola bars
* Water
* Baby formula - premixed and powered
* Baby bottles
* Tarps
* Batteries
* Grills
* Can openers
* Shovels
* Camp stoves
* Chainsaw oil
* Clothing to stay warm - all sizes
* Sleeping bags
* Rubber boots and Crocs
* Protective gear for clean up (gloves, etc)

American Red Cross North Carolina   
To make a financial donation, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767), text HELENE to 90999, or visit https://www.redcross.org/donate/dr/hurricane-helene.html

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
Samaritan's Purse (Headquartered in Boone)
United Way North Carolina Helene Recovery fundraiser
Salvation Army Hurricane Helene Relief donation page

 Reliable Resources:
•    NC Troopers Incorporated – https://www.nctroopers.org
•    U.S. National Guard In NC:  +1 (252) 299-2080, Also call 888-892-1162
•    NC Emergency Management
•    Army Corps of Engineers (Helene response)
•    NC REALTORS® news and resources at https://www.ncrealtors.org/hurricane-helene/

Helping flood victims is a collective responsibility. By donating supplies, providing financial assistance, volunteering your time, and offering emotional support, you can contribute to the immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts of those affected by this devastating natural disaster. Remember, every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a difference in the lives of those who have lost so much.