by Heidi Reid | Oct 28, 2024 | Buzz, November 2024
Here’s how to help WNC from afar.
At this point, we’ve all seen the images and videos of Hurricane Helene’s impact on Western North Carolina—cars and houses floating down murky waterways, trees pierced through roofs and entire roads washed away by mudslides. It’s uncomfortable to any viewer, and it’s absolutely devastating to WNC.
As a native of the mountains (specifically Hendersonville), I’ve felt both extremely lucky to be safe from the chaos and very helpless as I watched from afar as destruction tore through my hometown. And it’s difficult navigating what I can actually do to help my community and what just adds to the pandemonium.
Even now as the flooding recedes, it’s hard to tell the true extent of the damage—both physical and economical. Hurricane Helene hit only weeks before the fall foliage peaked, when tourists usually swarm in flocks to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
To wit, about 16.7 million people visited the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2023. That’s millions of people who this year won’t buy local beer, won’t invest in local artists and won’t tip their servers. Those perennial foliage-chasing tourists spend billions and support thousands of jobs. With parts of the parkway currently closed* and entire businesses—buildings and all—washed away (the Asheville Rivers Art District and Chimney Rock’s main street are simply gone), the true economic impact remains unknown.
So while we all want to help WNC, it’s best to postpone that fall getaway—at least for now. I am as disappointed as anyone about skipping a trip to the area for peak week and brewery-hopping, but the region is currently housing first responders in hotels normally meant for tourists—meaning they are in no position to handle visitors, even though visiting may feel helpful. Instead, here is how you can help the region recover from afar, while you (hopefully) gear up for next year’s trip.
What + Where To Donate
Clothing and Winter Supplies
Relief Funds
Support WNC Goods Locally
by Heidi Reid | Sep 30, 2024 | Buzz, October 2024
Here’s how to support those in WNC affected by Hurricane Helene
Western NC needs our help in the face of absolutely heartbreaking devastation of Hurricane Helene across the mountain and foothills communities. So many have lost everything and are suffering without food, water, power—even cell service to let anyone know they need help.
Resources, money and manpower are needed to help on-the-ground volunteers across Western NC communities who are collecting and distributing a wide array of supplies. See the list below for some resources for how you can help.
Where to Donate
Triangle Drop-Off Sites
- Trophy Five Points will operate as an official collection point for Operation Airdrop, which is transporting supplies to Western NC. They’re accepting powdered sports drinks, baby wipes, diapers, baby formula, trash bags, sunscreen, nonperishable foods, cleaning supplies, toothbrushes/paste, pet food, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, gloves and more. 207 Bickett Blvd., Tues.–Fri. 10am–3pm
- ArtPost, Durham; Monday–Saturday, 12–6pm
- Back Alley Bikes, Carrboro; Tuesday–Saturday, 11am–6pm
- Rumah, Raleigh; See calendar for hours
Supplies Needed
Personal:
- Nonperishable food
- Bottled water
- Gatorade and hydration powder
- Baby formula, wipes and diapers
- Solar chargers and battery banks
- Toilet paper
- Apple cider vinegar
Cleaning:
- Bleach
- Brooms
- Shovels
- Chainsaws and hammers
- Generators and fuel
- Dehumidifiers
- Box fans
- 2x4s
- Crowbars
Local Fundraisers
- Throughout the month of October, Hummingbird is donating 10% of all proceeds from lunch service to World Central Kitchen.
- Wye Hill is donating $1 from every pint of Luminous Beings sold to support of Hurricane Helene Disaster relief in partnership with the NC Brewers Guild.
- Bring in donations to Boxcar and get 10 free tokens!
- The Produce Box is offering Feeding Families Boxes for purchase that their team will then truck out to rural communities in Western North Carolina. Choose from $25, $50 or $100 boxes—or you can choose to donate any amount via Paypal.
- The Longleaf Lounge is donating 100% of proceeds from its Appalachian Negroni to the Community Fund of Western NC.
- Sales from DSSOLVR’s Higher Calling hazy IPA will be donated to The NC Craft Brewers Foundation.
- Two Roosters is donating 100% of proceeds from its Appalachian Apple Stack Cake flavor to Samaritan’s Purse through Oct. 31.
- Over in Durham, Ex-Voto is donating $1 of every Crunchwrap sold this month.
- Shop Local Raleigh is selling special-made T-shirts benefiting WNC. Shoutout locals Chris Bushnell for the design, NC Craft Brewers Guild – Brewery Group for the back design and Red Bird Screen Printing! If you want a shirt, email [email protected] with your size and quantity.
- Asheville’s Shiloh & Gaines is hosting an oyster roast Nov. 2 in collab with several local breweries—with oysters provided by Mera Brothers Oysters—to benefit NCRLA.
- From Nov. 8 to Dec. 24, Crabtree Mall will be donating a portion of proceeds from its Photos With Santa to relief efforts.
- Dave Matthews Band is hosting SOULSHINE, a benefit concert to aid relief and recovery efforts in Western North Carolina and Florida, at MSG Nov. 24.
Local Volunteer Opportunities
- World Central Kitchen is seeking volunteers in Raleigh to help with food prep and delivery. Fill out the volunteer form here.
For live updates on the latest conditions, click here.
