Hurricane Helene has had catastrophic effects in the North Carolina mountains and several other areas in our state and beyond. Thousands of people are without power, clean water, food, shelter, and much more. Roads, bridges, businesses, and homes have been washed away and damaged beyond repair. The level of destruction in the area is unconfirmed, but it is without a doubt devastating to the communities there. As rescue crews, linemen, and other emergency workers are able to get into the areas, many people are in desperate need of our help. However, there is something we can do to support and help our neighbors during this time.
Resources for Those Impacted by Hurricane Helene
Those who have been directly impacted and are continuing to the feel the effects of Hurricane Helene can use the following resources:
- FEMA's Individual Assistance Program: Call 800-621-3362 or click HERE.
- Crisis Cleanup: Call (844) 965-1386 (available through 10/11/24).
- Open Shelters: Click HERE.
- Power Outage Information: Click HERE.
Relevant Numbers
- Emergencies: 911
- Food, Shelter, Roadways, Non-Emergency Information: 211
For Those Needing Welfare Checks on Loved Ones
To check on a loved one in the affected areas, click HERE or text PERSON to 40403.
Thankfully, many in our community are already stepping up to do just that. Below are several options that people can choose from, but the important thing is that we all do something to support, help, and love our neighbors who are going through this incredibly difficult time.
Local Efforts
In Lincoln County alone, individuals, churches, businesses, and more have come together to begin helping those in need. Grassroots efforts have sprung up across the county, and these inspiring people have reached across the state to make connections with the affected areas to best help them. The Lincoln County Regional Airport is partnering with local airports and organizations across the Western mountain region to transport supplies into the communities for those in need.
To get current, direct information, please check out Lincoln County Airport Disaster Relief HERE.
We are asking our community to help these efforts. Please consider assisting any of the options below:
Donate Supplies
Donations are in critical need right now, and Lincoln County citizens have the opportunity to donate a variety of items across the county. There are several donation locations spread across the area, each accepting items to be transported to the affected region. These items are integral to the relief efforts. The following items are accepted, and bolded items are of priority importance:
- First Aid Supplies
- Medicines (Chewable Benadryl)
- Clot Stop/Gauze
- Propane Saw
- Toiletries/Sanitation Items
- Hand Sanitizer
- Sanitizer Wipes
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Heavy Duty Work Gloves
- Socks - All Sizes
- Sports Drinks (Powder Packets)
- Hydration Packs (Powder Form)
- Baby Wipes
- Diapers (Children & Adults)
- Baby Formula & Food (Hypoallergenic)
- Bug Spray
- Blankets
- Sunscreen
- Batteries
- Propane bottles
- Lighters
- Coffee
- Baby items
- Shovels
- Rakes
- Manual Can Openers
- Trash Bags (13 gal. or Contractor Bags)
- Non-Perishable Foods
- Cleaning Supplies
- Plastic Sheeting/Tarps
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Pet Food (Cat and Dog)
- Bags of Charcoal & Matches
- Paper Products (Paper Towels, Cups, Napkins, & Plates)
- Plastic Utensils
- Distilled Water
- Oil
- Chainsaws
- Chainsaw Oil & Chains
- Saw Blades
- Gas Containers
- Toilet paper
- Solid Baby Food (No Glass Containers)
- Boost & Ensure Drinks
- Towels
- Flashlights
- Syringes
- Liquid IV
Donation Locations include the following:
- RE/MAX Crossroads (111 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092)
- Untapped Territory Craft Beer & Regional Wine (118 E Water St, Lincolnton, NC 28092)
- Lincoln Cultural Center (403 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092)
- Lincoln County Family YMCA (1402 Gaston St, Lincolnton, NC 28092)
- Sally's YMCA (1601 Forney Creek Pkwy, Denver, NC 28037)
- LKN Cheesecakery (107 Court Square, Lincolnton, NC 28092)
- Red Barn Marketplace (278 N NC Hwy 16 Bus., Denver, NC 28037)
- Austin Dentistry (640 S Magnolia St , Lincolnton, NC, United States, North Carolina)
- Hairitage Salon (638 Center Drive , Lincolnton, NC, United States, North Carolina)
- Grounded Coffeehouse (2657 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092)
- City Cellar (411 E Main St., Lincolnton, NC 28092)
- Vittles (331 E Main St., Lincolnton, NC 28092)
- Southern Charm (235 E Main St., Lincolnton, NC 28092)
- Lincoln Social (112 Court Sq., Lincolnton, NC 28092)
- BrickTree Brewing Co. (414 E Water St., Lincolnton, NC 28092)
- Quillies (173 Vandiver Dr., Lincolnton, NC 28092)
- Dollar General (2639 N Aspen St, Lincolnton, NC 28092)
- Lincoln County Senior Services (612 Center Dr, Lincolnton, NC 28092)
- City Lunch (115 Court Square, Lincolnton, NC 28092)
- Timken (1000 Timken Place, Iron Station, NC 28080)
This list will be updated consistently as this crisis continues and more donation locations are shared with UWLC.
Other donation locations outside of the county can be found HERE.
Items NOT accepted include: used clothing, HAZMAT materials, chemicals (including bleach), fuel, flammable items.
Additionally, Lincoln County Schools is also accepting donation items that are specific to each school. For more information, please click HERE.
You can also help by buying items off this Amazon Wishlist. There are a ton of items that will help the relief efforts, so please consider donating from this list!
Volunteer
Individuals are needed across the county to volunteer their time and efforts by sorting donated materials and transporting them from donation locations to the airport.
To volunteer as a licensed pilot for the Airdrop, please sign up HERE.
To be connected to hurricane relief volunteer opportunities based off your interest and ability, please sign up HERE.
Assist Monetarily
Monetary donations are also incredibly important in relief efforts, and United Way of North Carolina is sending 100% of the money donated to the affected areas. Even $1 can make a massive impact in aiding Western NC.
Consider donating HERE.
Other Ways to Help
There are many other methods to assist during this crisis. If you are unable to donate items or money, please consider the following information:
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