How To Help Western North Carolina from Raleigh

Hurricane Helene brought devastation to our neighbors to the west. Here are local resources to support our fellow North Carolinians. 
By Anna Marie Switzer

Marshall, NC on Oct. 1. Photograph by Travis Long for The News & Observer. Find more of their Helene recovery coverage here.

When we see footage and photos of the devastation in Western North Carolina, we want to do one thing: help! But the government is urging us to stay where we are as relief organizations do their work, so it can be easy to feel helpless. 

While we’re waiting to pitch in, the best thing we can do is donate resources to local, state or national organizations that have the infrastructure to put your contributions to targeted, immediate use. We’ve gathered a list of folks doing their best to help, and will keep it updated as we learn more. Here’s how to help out Western North Carolina from Raleigh. 

Image courtesy BeLoved Asheville

Donate Financially

According to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, the fastest and most efficient way to support Hurricane Helene’s victims is by donating money. Below are some local, state and national options to support.

Western North Carolina- and Raleigh-Based Organizations

North Carolina Statewide Organizations

National Organizations:

Image courtesy Locals Seafood

Drop Off Supplies at Designated Areas in the Triangle

Food, water and other essentials are in limited supply in North Carolina. Buy in bulk, and drop off the supplies at a site in the Triangle accepting donations. The most useful supplies right now are first aid essentials, non-perishable foods and personal hygiene supplies (including baby wipes and diapers). Check out this this list for more ideas of what to drop off, and visit one of these collection points in Raleigh to offer your donations (check the link first as each has different hours and needs):

Image courtesy MoJoe’s

Participate in Local Businesses’ Fundraisers

Supporting Western North Carolina is a community effort. As a result, many Triangle businesses have dedicated a portion of their sales to aid disaster relief. Eat and drink at these local businesses, and pass on the love. 

  • Band Together → Hosting a concert called “Music for the Mountains” with Old Crow Medicine Show, BJ Barnum & more to benefit The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina on Oct. 27.
  • East Bower Cider Company → 10% of sales are donated to NC organizations.
  • Hummingbird Raleigh → 10% of lunch sales will be donated to WNC organizations
  • Koka Booth Amphitheater is hosting Sturgill Simpson for a concert benefitting the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fun on Oct. 21
  • Sola Coffee Cafe → 10% of all sales will be donated to Samaritans Purse.
  • Southern Sugar Bakery → The bakery is selling “Our Hearts Are With Western NC” cookies with all proceeds going to Samaritan’s Purse
  • The Durham Hotel → The hotel is hosting a fundraising dinner for Southern Smoke Foundation, featuring renowned Durham chefs like Aaron Louv from NanaSteak.
  • Trophy Maywood → Bring $15 worth of donations and get a free beer.
  • Union Special → 100% of funds from all Pay-It-Forward loaves purchased.
Image courtesy Food Bank Central & Eastern NC

Volunteer Near in the Triangle

While the NC Department of Transportation strongly advises against traveling to Western North Carolina, there are still ways to volunteer and make and make an impact. Here are some places where you can package and prepare supplies, or work on disaster meal prep.

Reach Out to Folks Who Have Been Affected

Don’t forget the power of words! Check in on your friends and family in Western North Carolina, as well as the people in your life who have loved ones in crisis. Spread the word about the best ways to help, and share what you learn on social media. And remember that for many people and businesses, it will take months or even years to recover — keep checking in, even once you stop hearing about Helene in the news.

Together, North Carolina will make it out of this disaster, and we will come back more united than ever.

This article was originally published on Oct. 2, 2024 and updated on Oct. 3. Know of any opportunities we didn’t include? Share the information with us editintern@waltermagazine.com 

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