Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction in the Southeast this past week, causing severe structural damage, flooding, injuries, and, at current estimates, the loss of nearly 200 lives. As communities grapple with the storm’s aftermath, the need for aid continues to rise rapidly. Here we will be posting updates, resources, and information on how you can help.
How to Help
The outpouring of communal and nationwide support for affected areas has been inspiring. However, it’s important to pay attention to the requests of organizations to best help their efforts without unintentionally creating new challenges. Officials are urging people not to self-deploy into the affected areas. Instead, those wishing to help can call 2-1-1 to connect with local resources, including reunification services, food banks, and other support centers.
Many people lost their homes, businesses, and personal belongings to Hurricane Helene. Road and structural damage has left many stranded, without power, and struggling to access clean water and hygiene supplies. Affected areas are in desperate need of funding and supplies. Here’s what and where you can donate.
What to Donate
- Hygiene Products
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Deodorant
- Bar soap
- Tampons/Pads/Feminine Products
- Diapers and baby clothes
- Wipes
- Socks
- Nutrient Dense Items
- Beef jerky
- Peanut butter
- Fruit pouches
- Baby food
- Shelf stable milk
- Shelf-stable items that don’t require water
- Hazzard Cleaning Supplies
- Trash bags
- Paper towels
- Buckets
- Rags
- Gloves
- Cleaning products
- Disinfecting wipes
- Misc. Items
- Flashlights
- Coolers
- Batteries
- Bottled water
- Other
- Pet food and products
- Blankets
- Comfortable Clothing
- First Aid Products
Where to Donate: Supplies and Funds
Please check each organization to see if they are taking specific items or are strictly taking certain kinds. Inquiring in advance will prevent overwhelming these places with things they don’t need.
General
- Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: This organization provides disaster relief and shares updates on supply drops and aid stations throughout all affected areas.
- Americares: Americares is responding to urgent medical needs in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
- The Red Cross: The American Red Cross is providing emergency shelter, food, and relief supplies to those affected by Hurricane Helene. They are also organizing blood drives to maintain the blood supply and mobilizing volunteers to support recovery efforts in impacted areas.
- Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is offering emergency housing, meals, and essential supplies to those in need. They are actively collecting financial donations to support their disaster relief efforts and ensure that aid reaches affected communities quickly.
- Region A.H.E.A.D. This organization allows donors to designate which Tennessee or Virginia county their money will go toward. They also have the option to donate to a general fund to be shared with all affected counties.
- Samaritan’s Purse: Samaritan’s Purse mobilizes staff, equipment, and thousands of volunteers to provide emergency aid to victims of tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters across the United States.
- Operation Airdrop: Focused on delivering essential supplies, hot meals, and support to communities affected and/or stranded by the storm, Operation Airdrop provides information on how to get involved, including volunteer opportunities and donation options.
Virginia
- Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD): This coalition of nonprofit organizations coordinates disaster response efforts across Virginia. They facilitate communication and resource sharing among member organizations to ensure effective aid delivery to communities affected by Hurricane Helene.
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
- East Tennessee State University: This college is accepting donations of flood buckets, hygiene kits, and blood to assist those in critical need.
- Help Erwin Heal: This local initiative supports families in Erwin affected by severe flooding. Contributions will provide essential supplies, temporary shelter, and financial assistance for recovery efforts, guided by local officials and the nonprofit RISE Erwin.
- East Tennessee Foundation: This organization serves as an official source for monetary donations to impacted counties.
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee: This food bank is seeking donations to continue distributing food and water where needed most. You can donate by calling 423-279-0430 or online.
- The Salvation Army of Kentucky and Tennessee: This nonprofit is providing critical assistance to flood-impacted areas and is requesting donations to support ongoing efforts. Donations can be made at helpsalvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
- United Way of East Tennessee Highlands: Serving multiple impacted counties, this organization accepts donations for its disaster relief fund
- True Rescue: Volunteers are assisting with animal rescues in the area. The shelter is accepting financial donations, pet food, and supplies for animals affected by the flooding. Donations can be dropped off at True Rescue Shelter, located at 12110 Lebanon Rd. in Mt. Juliet.
Georgia
- Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency: This government organization is accepting donations and volunteers. For more information, email [email protected].
- First Baptist Fairhope: This local church is rallying to support First Baptist Hazlehurst, GA, after severe damage from Hurricane Helene. They are conducting a donation drive for essential items, with final collections until Wednesday night.
Florida
- Florida Disaster Fund: This official state fund assists Florida communities during emergencies and disasters. Donations can be made online, via PayPal, or through physical checks.
- Feeding Tampa Bay: Join their Emergency Response Volunteer Team, which partners with local emergency operations to distribute food, hygiene items, and water.
- Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay: This national organization has local chapters working in Central Florida and North Central Florida. Recent projects include covering vulnerable homes with roof tarps and coordinating hurricane relief kits. They are accepting volunteers and financial donations.
- World Central Kitchen: Led by Chef José Andrés, this nonprofit is serving free meals across Florida and other states affected by the storm. To sign up for volunteer shifts or donate, visit wck.org.
- 211 Tampa Bay Cares: This organization connects people to vital resources, including food, mental health services, and housing support, and is accepting financial donations.
- Metropolitan Ministries: This organization collaborates with 65 neighborhood partners to support families across Tampa Bay. Donations will help provide food, water, shelter, and essential supplies post-Hurricane Helene.
- Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters: This statewide coalition of nonprofits works together to assist individuals affected by disasters.
We will be creating a list of small and local businesses seeking financial support in the wake of Hurricane Helene. If you would like your business included, please email [email protected] with the subject line, “Hurricane Helene Aid: Business”
Contributors: Amanda Liverette and Craig Snodgrass.
Cover photo: Morning light over the Appalachian mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. Courtesy of Getty Images.
