Days after Hurricane Helene swept through the Southeast, many in North Carolina are struggling in the aftermath of the deadly storm that damaged homes, destroyed communities, flooded and washed away roads and left many stranded without food and water.

Officials expect a long road to recovery for those affected.

“This is going to be a tremendous effort in the short run — but looking at it in the long run with the hundreds of roads that are destroyed, communities that were wiped off the map— we have to make sure that we get in there, are smart about rebuilding, doing it in a more resilient way but right now, we’re saving lives and getting supplies to people who desperately, desperately need them,” Governor Roy Cooper said in an on-air interview with CNN Monday. Sept. 30.

Here are ways to help and donate, along with a list of things not to do.

NC Disaster Relief Fund

In partnership with United Way of North Carolina, Governor Cooper’s office is managing the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, which will go towards supporting nonprofits working on collecting food and water, cleaning supplies and other emergency supplies for victims.

You can make an online donation at nc.gov/donate. You can also make a contribution to the disaster fund by mailing donations to the following addresses:

NC Disaster Relief Fund, 20312 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-0312.

NC Disaster Relief Fund, c/o United Way of NC, 1130 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 100, Cary NC 27511.

Organizations collecting donations, supplies for storm Helene

In addition to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, here’s a list of other organizations collecting donations and supplies to help those in need:

Americares

How to donate online: Visit my.americares.org.

American Red Cross

How to donate online: Visit redcross.org/donate

How to donate by mail: Send a check donation form and check to: American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839. To send via FedEx or UPS, send check and donation form to American Red Cross, c/o CDS Global, 2005 Lakewood Drive, Boone, IA 50036.

How to donate by phone: Text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to donate to American Red Cross Disaster Relief or call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669).

You can find more information about how to help, including blood donations and being a volunteer, online at redcross.org.

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation

How to donate online: Visit boonechamber.com/foundation.

CARE

How to donate online: my.care.org.

How to donate by mail: Send the donation form with check or credit card information to: CARE, Gift Center, P.O. Box 1870, Merrifield VA 22116-8070

How to donate by phone: Call 1-800-422-7385.

You can find more information about how to make a donation, including how to wire transfer contributions, online at care.org.

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina

How to donate online: Visit cfwnc.fcsuite.com.

The Salvation Army

How to donate online: Visit give.helpsalvationarmy.org.

How to donate by mail: Send checks with the name of the disaster relief effort you wish to support to: The Salvation Army - Disaster Relief, PO BOX 1959, Atlanta, GA 30301.

How to donate by phone: Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).

You can also find more information and search for your local Salvation Army location online at southernusa.salvationarmy.org/north-south-carolina/.

Samaritan’s Purse

How to donate online: Visit samaritanspurse.org.

You can also find more information about how to volunteer in Watauga and Buncombe counties online at spvolunteer.org.

United Way

How to donate online: Visit unitedway.org/hurricane-helene.

You can find specific chapters in counties around North Carolina to donate to online at unitedway.org/local/united-states/north-carolina.

Read Next

More Helene disaster relief organizations in NC

Here’s a list of more vetted disaster relief organizations to make donations to online at ncdps.gov.

What items not to donate, what not to do

When supporting victims impacted by a storm, financial contributions are best to provide important and immediate services to provide help in need, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“Financial contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are the fastest, most flexible and most effective method of donating,” the agency’s website says. “Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through businesses local to the disaster, which supports economic recovery.”

Though it may seem helpful, FEMA says used clothing is never needed and recommends connecting with organizations about what may be needed before contributing supplies.

At this time, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety is also discouraging anyone from sending physical donations or volunteers to western NC.

This story was originally published September 30, 2024, 1:32 PM.