Want to donate to people in NC affected by Helene? Here’s how to help

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:

Photos: Search for victims of 'apocalyptic' flooding in NC continues with many still cut off from help

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:

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

American Red Cross

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 .

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

The Salvation Army

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

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

United Way

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

How to help people and volunteer in NC in Hurricane Helene aftermath

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.

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