Relief from Helene: How We Can Help

Hurricane Helene Makes Landfall

The devastation caused by hurricane Helene is truly historic. The rivers reached heights that haven’t been recorded since the 1700s, and entire towns have been completely destroyed. Currently, thousands are without power, and as of October 2, there are l entire communities without transportation, water, cell service or the internet. As rescue efforts continue, people need supplies, including food, water, baby formula, and other essentials before we even begin to think about rebuilding the region.

Alpha & Omega Group has trying to get relief to our neighbors. Not only is the company matching 100% of any monetary gifts that employees make, but we’ve been collecting donations of physical necessities, so that families will have the relief they need even sooner. However, our efforts can only do so much to help the affected communities.

If you want to join us in supporting the people in Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia please consider giving to one of these charities:

Samaritan’s Purse’s headquarters is in Boone, NC, an area that was hit hard by the storm. The location gives the organization a unique ability to reach out to the community quickly. They are assisting their neighbors as well as Charles A. Cannon, Jr Memorial Hospital, Ashe County Hospital, Watauga Medical Center, the currently isolated Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, and Asheville, NC. Outside of North Carolina, the organization is supporting Valdosta, GA and the cities of Terry and Tampa in Florida.

Operation Airdrop is a Texas-based volunteer organization made up of pilots who use their personal aircraft to rush vital supplies to communities in a matter of hours rather than the days it can take for other efforts. For the people in Western North Carolina, many of whom can’t be reached by the roads, these pilots are the only way they can receive the supplies they desperately need. Currently Operation Airdrop’s Operation Helene is based in Concord, and it is requesting supplies, volunteers and monetary donations to continue its efforts to reach the communities.

Baptists on Mission is an auxiliary to the Baptist Convention of North Carolina and focuses on their goal to “Glorify God by involving churches and Christians in meeting human needs in Jesus’ name”. They are currently located in Boone, Arden, Spruce Pine, Hendersonville, and Marion. Volunteers are feeding and offering showers to the survivors while also providing temporary shelters. While they are asking for volunteers, they also need financial support and donations.

Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) is a non-profit that has offered support to Buncombe County since 1969.  It focuses on the many needs of the community such as families, veterans in crisis, and a prison ministry. It is currently asking for water, nonperishable food, baby food, and of course, funding for the fuel necessary for supplies and to power their shelters.

While the devastation of the Appalachians is not something that can be easily fixed, with the help and prayers of the community, we can offer hope during difficult times.