We in Western Wake escaped much of the damage from Hurricane Florence, but others across the state will need help in the days, weeks and months ahead.
Volunteers and disaster workers are providing immediate help, but there is plenty that we can do too. Several local and national groups are seeking donations of money, time and goods. Here are a few that have come to our attention.
The Red Cross: More than 3,000 Red Cross personnel have been mobilized to house, feed and support those affected by Hurricane Florence. In North Carolina, roughly 11,500 people sought refuge this week in 105 community and Red Cross shelters. To help the nonprofit care for those in need, visit redcross.org, call 1- 800-RED CROSS or text the word FLORENCE to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina is helping to provide food, water, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies to the thousands affected by the hurricane and flooding. Donations of goods and money are being accepted now. Foodbankcenc.org or facebook.com/FoodBankCENC
Operation Airdrop, a Texas nonprofit, is collecting supplies at the General Aviation Terminal at the RDU airport to be flown directly to communities affected by flooding. On Tuesday, Sept. 18, more than 27,000 pounds of water, food and hygiene products were flown to Fayetteville, Lumberton, Southport, and other landlocked cities. Volunteers are also needed to sort supplies. For other drop off locations and more information, visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/opairdrop.
World Central Kitchen provides hot meals to evacuees housed at area shelters, National Guard troops, police and fire department personnel and other emergency responders. worldcentralkitchen.org
The North Carolina Community Foundation has activated its Disaster Relief Fund to support recovery efforts in the state. The affiliate foundations and statewide grant committee work to ensure that all funds go to nonprofits that can meet needs in affected communities. The NCCF Disaster Relief Fund’s grantmaking strategy generally focuses on mid- to long-term recovery efforts in affected communities and does not compete with first-responders. nccommunityfoundation.org
Habitat for Humanity of Wake County is accepting donations to support efforts to repair storm-damaged homes and to rebuild affordable storm resilient homes. The local Habitat affiliate will also partner to send materials and volunteers to aid affiliates in affected communities. habitatwake.org
Team CBC, a cycling team affiliated with Carolina Brewing Company in Holly Springs, is spearheading a New Bern Donation Drive to collect food, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, diapers and gift cards. Drop off locations are at local breweries and bicycle shops including Bond Brothers Beer Company and Cycling Spoken Here in Cary. For supplies needed and other drop off locations, visit the Facebook event page.
The Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary is seeking volunteers, financial donations, and supplies for its food pantry. shalomraleigh.org
There are many more groups offering help, and many more will appear in the coming days. The Better Business Bureau advises donors to give to established relief organizations, ask what activities their donations will fund, and to verify the trustworthiness of any appeal by visiting give.org.
