The storm is over, but the cleanup and recovery have only just begun. In some areas, the cleanup can’t begin until the water recedes and downed power lines are removed. We know many in our community are ready to step in and help as the news updates us on the damage and devastation of our neighbors. But, as the Commissioner of NCDOT has stipulated, we are to consider all roads in Western NC, CLOSED.
If you truly want to help, please consider working with local agencies. Any donations of supplies should be made to the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Samaritan’s Purse, rather than delivered by individuals.
Please, only go to Western NC once respective STATE AGENCIES indicate it is safe to do so.
You can find more information on vetted organizations that are accepting donations and volunteers by visiting your local news station's website. There is a list of vetted agencies at the end of this article.
Lucile Tatum Center- The Extension and Community Association, ECA, is also accepting donations for Operation Airdrop to be taken to the Lincoln County Airport. Lucile Tatum Center is located at 959 Osceola Street, Gastonia, NC. Supplies will be collected until this Friday at noon.
***UPDATE**** Due to the overwhelming response from the community and community partners, you can make donations at multiple locations throughout the county including the Gaston Extension Office located in the Citizens Resource Center located at 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy, Dallas, NC. We are working with several local businesses and county offices to donate items to those in need locally in the Gaston community as well as our neighbors in the western hard-hit areas. This is truly a combined community effort and we will do our best to support as many of our neighbors as we possibly can. We are one community.
See the supply list for details on accepted items.
American Red Cross: (Donations/Volunteer)
Salvation Army Helene Disaster Relief efforts and how we might donate to their efforts
Samaritan's Purse: (Volunteer/ Donations)
Diaper Bank of North Carolina- (Volunteer/ Donate)
Operation Airdrop Based at Concord Regional Airport in NC
Operation North State - From Sept. 30 to Oct. 8, Operation North State is collecting NEW items at their collection location set up at Bass Pro Shops located at Concord Mills (8181 Concord Mills Boulevard). From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., donate the following: Bottled water, baby products, pet foods/items, lighting, blankets, clothing, shower and bath items, cleaning supplies, paper products, toiletries, medicine cabinet items, non-perishable foods, batteries, something loving for a child to hold, cash donations with checks made out to Operation North State, 151 Windemere Ct., Winston-Salem, NC 27127. Or, DONATE from their website.
