Jackson County Emergency Management outlines ways the public can donate and volunteer to help support Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
Posted Oct. 4 by Jackson County Emergency Management:
Thank you for your interest in donating to support the Hurricane Helene Relief effort in Jackson County. We appreciate your willingness to help our community. The outpouring of concern for Jackson County and the entire region of Western North Carolina is overwhelming and we cannot express how grateful we are for everyone wanting to lend a hand or donate to relief efforts.
We have multiple ways to help the ongoing efforts to provide relief to our community members who have been most affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
Volunteers: We have been overwhelmed at the outpouring of community members wanting to volunteer their time. At this time, Jackson County does not have any further volunteer opportunities available. For those already registered with Jackson County, we will continue to reach out as volunteer opportunities arise.
Volunteers are needed in other areas. The best way to get connected to opportunities is by signing up to volunteer with a Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) at https://www.ncvoad.org/volunteer/.
Supply Donations: If you would like to donate supplies, you may do so at area non-profits. Please contact them in advance to ensure they have the resources available to receive the supplies. At this time the biggest needs are for baby supplies including formula and diapers of all sizes, cat/dog food, cat litter, cleaning supplies, toilet paper. Visit the websites below for lists of additional needs.
Donations are being accepted at the following locations in Jackson County:
- United Christian Ministries of Jackson County: https://ucmsylva.org
- Community Table: https://communitytable.org/
- Cashiers Baptist Church: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100064561609166
- Innovation Station Dillsboro: https://www.facebook.com/innovationdillsboro
- St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church: https://www.facebook.com/stmarysylva
Financial Donations: Many people have reached out to Jackson County and would like to provide financial-based assistance. The money collected through these organizations will be used to help provide immediate necessities while helping the overall long-term effort to continue to provide the numerous essentials associated with ongoing relief efforts.
If you would like to donate financial resources, we have identified the following funds to distribute resources to our community:
- United Christian Ministries of Jackson County: https://ucmsylva.org
- Community Table: https://communitytable.org/
- HERE in Jackson County: Working to end homelessness throughout Western North Carolina with Housing Equity Resources & Education: https://www.hereinjacksoncounty.org
- Disaster Relief Fund: https://nc.gov/donate
- NC DPS: https://www.ncdps.gov/how-to-donate