Dear Jack,

As many of you are aware, the Western part of our beloved state got decimated by Hurricane Helene. Helene tore through the mountains, dumping extreme rainfall unheard of in over 100 years. The results led to flash flooding and mud slides that have wiped out homes, businesses, and many other familiar places. The flooding also caused people to lose their lives, and hundreds of people are still missing.  We should all be in prayer for our neighbors in Western North Carolina, pleading with our mighty God to help them find their loved ones and provide for their needs!

It is truly a catastrophe, as the images and stories coming out of the area attest to the wide swath of destruction.

As power and access slowly returns, and new stories and images come to light, many of you are wondering how you can help your neighbors. We wanted to provide you with a couple resources.

Here are 3 ways you can help:

1. Samaritan’s Purse: Among disaster relief groups, few are as effective and immediate as Samaritan’s Purse. They have also felt the destruction first hand, as Boone is home to their international headquarters. Samaritan’s Purse responds to help with storms and crises around the world every day, and their U.S. disaster relief teams are on the ground in the hard-hit spots (Boone, Asheville, Black Mountain, Montreat, and Swannanoa being some examples). They have been partnering with local churches to field volunteer teams who are helping hurting neighbors in Jesus' Name.

If you would like to donate or volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse, click here.

2. Baptists On Mission: In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, Baptists On Mission were on the ground providing over 1,057,623 hot meals prepared and served out of 10 kitchens. They also set up 14 different rebuild operation sites, where they conducted over 5,800 recovery jobs. They are mounting the same kind of massive response for Hurricane Helene. Volunteers are needed in all areas, which include: feeding, shower and laundry, chain saw teams, roof tarping, de-mudding and deconstruction, and more. Training is not required for many opportunities.

If you would like to donate or volunteer with Baptists on Mission, click here.

3. Local Collection Sites: National Coatings Inc has partnered with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office & Big Bear Roofing to deliver essential supplies to those in need via a network of collection sites. They are running trucks from these sites to McDowell County, where supplies are then air lifted via helicopter to those in need based on real-time information.

Check out the list of needed donation items below, as well as the drop-off locations in Raleigh and Louisburg. Individuals can also scan the QR code to purchase items on their Amazon list online.

Finally, please be in prayer for our neighbors. They need our help in this moment of unexpected tragedy.

To our friends and neighbors in Western North Carolina, hold on.  Help is on the way. 

“God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,” (Ps 46:1-2)

God's Blessings,

Sincerely,

Tami & Team

NC Values