Electricity, drinkable water, food, medical care, and cell phone service are in critically short supply in western North Carolina in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. The Diocese of Charlotte and Catholic Charities have set up ways you can help those affected:
DONATE MONEY: Monetary donations are the fastest, most flexible and most effective way to support emergency relief efforts – local responders on the ground can use the funds to help people with immediate as well as long-term needs. Give securely online: www.ccdoc.org/helenerelief
DONATE SUPPLIES: Emergency relief supplies are being collected at these key locations across the diocese:
Charlotte area: Diocesan Pastoral Center, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203
South of Charlotte: Charlotte Catholic High School, in front of the MACS Fine Arts Center, 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28226
North of Charlotte: Christ the King High School, 2011 Crusader Way, Huntersville, N.C. 28078
Greensboro: St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro, N.C. 27410. Please deliver to the Snack Bar door, located on the side of the Parish Life Center, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily this week. Donated items are planned to be transported on Friday.
Concord: St. James the Greater Church, 139 Manor Ave. S.W., Concord, N.C. Bring donations anytime 10 a.m. to noon until Friday, Oct. 4, to the church office or the preschool.
Items especially needed are: bottled water, sanitary wipes, nonperishable food (easy-open cans, peanut butter, granola, etc.), baby food, formula, diapers, pet food, Ziploc bags, flashlights and batteries.
Note: If you are making donations that will be flown via Operation Airdrop from the Statesville or Concord airport, please check their list of approved and restricted items here.
Need help?
Use the state’s 211 service (call 211 and press 1, or go online to nc211.org) to find information about getting food, water and shelter; finding loved ones; checking current road conditions; filing damage and insurance claims; and other issues. Use 911 only for emergencies.
People impacted by Helene are urged to follow local advisories, including those for boiling water, staying off area roads, and picking up food aid and other emergency supplies.
A drone view Sept. 29, 2024, shows rescue personnel working in a flooded area in Asheville, N.C., following the passing of Tropical Storm Helene.
Western North Carolina has been devasted by the after affects of Hurrican Helene.
Western North Carolina has been devasted by the after affects of Hurrican Helene.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte loads up supplies to bring to those in need.
Holy Trinity Middle School students load water and supplies to be taken to western North Carolina.
Holy Trinity Middle School students load water and supplies to be taken to western North Carolina.
Seminarians load a truck full of supplies donated at the Diocese of Charlotte’s Pastoral Center.
Immaculata School in Hendersonville has become a distribution center, handing out supplies to more than 1,500 families in a few days.
Supplies of diapers, nonperishable goods and water were taken to the Statesville airport to be flown in to the devastated areas, including Waynesville and Hendersonville.
Volunteers deliver bottled water from Charlotte to Immaculata School in Hendersonville for distribution to people in need.
Immaculata School in Hendersonville has become a distribution center, handing out supplies to more than 1,500 families in a few days.
Kids also included notes of encouragement for those impacted.
Kids also included notes of encouragement for those impacted.
Parishioners at St. Mark Church are among many across the diocese stepping up to help those affected by the storm damage.
Parishioners at St. Mark Church are among many across the diocese stepping up to help those affected by the storm damage.
Supplies of diapers, nonperishable goods and water were taken to the Statesville airport to be flown in to the devastated areas, including Waynesville and Hendersonville.
Parishioners at St. Mark Church are among many across the diocese stepping up to help those affected by the storm damage.
Supplies arrive to those in need.
Supplies arrive to those in need.
Some of the damage from the strong winds and heavy rains brought to western North Carolina by Hurricane Helene.
A large tree also toppled over in the parking lot at St. Stephen Church in Elkin.
The storm washed out roads and devestated western North Carolina.
A tree fell on St. Margaret Mary Church in Swannanoa.
Supplies arrive to those in need.
Supplies of diapers, nonperishable goods and water were taken to the Statesville airport to be flown in to the devastated areas, including Waynesville and Hendersonville.
Supplies arrive to those in need.
Supplies arrive to those in need.
Supplies arrive to those in need.
Supplies arrive to those in need.
Volunteers unload supplies on Oct. 3 at Immaculata Catholic School.
A load of supplies is blessed at Bishop McGuinness High School
Bishop McGuinness High School students organize supplies.
Supplies are being handed out at Immaculata Catholic School.
St. Luke in Mint Hill collect supplies for those in need.
Supplies are being handed out at Immaculata Catholic School.
St. Patrick School in Charlotte also held a supply drive.
