Donate money, not supplies for flood relief phase II

Oct. 16—Supply donations rolling into Haywood County have been so generous that relief distribution centers are nearly at capacity.

"The water supply, the food supply, those critical life lines we have an abundance of now," said Allison Richmond, Haywood County Emergency Service public information officer. "We are overwhelmed with support and assistance coming our way to the point we are at capacity and almost don't know where to put it all."

In addition to local donations, a steady stream of tractor-trailers have delivered pallets of supplies from nonprofits, faith-based disaster groups and the government. The Smoky Mountain Event Center, which served as ground zero for the major shipments, is packed full.

For locals wanting to help, donations to United Way of Haywood County would be most beneficial at this point.

"As we move past the urgent needs of food and water, we're seeing families need to buy specific items. Donations to United Way are the best way to support the recovery now," Richmond said.

For example, there's plenty of baby food and diapers, but what a family might need most right now is a crib — thus the monetary donations.

Moving into cooler months, there could be a need for staying warm. Richmond anticipates local organizations may coordinate coat and blanket drives and to be on the look out for those.