Helene Donations for Supply Run to WNC (1 Viewer)

[Hokie LX]

Hi all ONSCers in the RDU area,

I'm going to do a supply run to either the Concord Walmart or Hickory Regional Airport this week (likely Thursday or Saturday depending on how many folks want to donate) to bring a large load of donations to the folks of WNC. The two largest relief efforts currently performing supply runs via aircraft to remote areas based out of these two locations are being run by Operation AirDrop and Carolina Emergency Response Team. Operation AirDrop and CERT are using a private fleet of volunteers with their personal helicopters and planes to take supplies into the area and they are getting some military support as of yesterday and more coming today. Operation AirDrop moved 25 tons of supplies via private aircraft as of yesterday evening over 110 flights.

If anyone wants to provide donations, I am happy to take them up there with me. I will be going to Costco tomorrow to buy a bunch of stuff and encourage others to do the same. I plan to take my 100 with items I'm donating and then can rent a 6x12 uhaul to take additional supplies depending on if others donate and also @GLTHFJ60 has generously offered up the motel if we need more space and get enough donations to warrant its size. I will be at the monthly meeting Wednesday in my 100 and can collect there or you can drop items off anytime at my home in Durham (Near Hope Valley CC). PM me for my address or text me if you have my cell number.

Please respond here or reach out to me personally so I can get an idea of other folks who may want to support. There are also various organizations in the area doing supply runs over the coming week if you'd rather donate to those.

List of items needed per Operation AirDrop is pictured here. CERT will also begin taking larger items like dog food, blankets, batteries, etc on Thursday.

Operation Airdrop has also just requested NEW towels as their #1 needed donation item.

 

[S4Cruiser]

I am making the trip to Ashe County (Todd and West Jefferson specifically) this weekend and can take things directly there if needed (will be taking my car trailer if I can get a few pallets of water).

 

[Scott11cruiser]

You gentlemen are Saints, once I can go back home, I'll be taking supplies as well...not sure the timing though.

 

[lt1fire]

Hi all ONSCers in the RDU area,

I'm going to do a supply run to either the Concord Walmart or Hickory Regional Airport this week (likely Thursday or Saturday depending on how many folks want to donate) to bring a large load of donations to the folks of WNC. The two largest relief efforts currently performing supply runs via aircraft to remote areas based out of these two locations are being run by Operation AirDrop and Carolina Emergency Response Team. Operation AirDrop and CERT are using a private fleet of volunteers with their personal helicopters and planes to take supplies into the area and they are getting some military support as of yesterday and more coming today. Operation AirDrop moved 25 tons of supplies via private aircraft as of yesterday evening over 110 flights.

If anyone wants to provide donations, I am happy to take them up there with me. I will be going to Costco tomorrow to buy a bunch of stuff and encourage others to do the same. I plan to take my 100 with items I'm donating and then can rent a 6x12 uhaul to take additional supplies depending on if others donate and also @GLTHFJ60 has generously offered up the motel if we need more space and get enough donations to warrant its size. I will be at the monthly meeting Wednesday in my 100 and can collect there or you can drop items off anytime at my home in Durham (Near Hope Valley CC). PM me for my address or text me if you have my cell number.

Please respond here or reach out to me personally so I can get an idea of other folks who may want to support. There are also various organizations in the area doing supply runs over the coming week if you'd rather donate to those.

List of items needed per Operation AirDrop is pictured here. CERT will also begin taking larger items like dog food, blankets, batteries, etc on Thursday.

Operation Airdrop has also just requested NEW towels as their #1 needed donation item.

View attachment 3739461

Is there a PayPal for you that those afar can send cash for supplies?

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Is there a PayPal for you that those afar can send cash for supplies?

There are innumerable ways to donate directly, which would be a better use of your funds, and tax deductible.

 

[Hokie LX]

There are innumerable ways to donate directly, which would be a better use of your funds, and tax deductible.

Agreed. Operation airdrop has ways to donate on their website and FB page. Other local efforts will take donations as well. I don’t want to take other folks money.

 

[lt1fire]

There are innumerable ways to donate directly, which would be a better use of your funds, and tax deductible.

Obviously, I didn't think the entire donation operation for WNC was being run through ONSC. Last time ONSC did a hurricane donation we had a paypal set up for it, was simply asking if this was being done again. I've already donated directly to other charity organizations in the area and was simply offering to help swell the overall donation from ONSC. No worries.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Obviously, I didn't think the entire donation operation for WNC was being run through ONSC. Last time ONSC did a hurricane donation we had a paypal set up for it, was simply asking if this was being done again. I've already donated directly to other charity organizations in the area and was simply offering to help swell the overall donation from ONSC. No worries.

Hurricane Sandy, I remember. This situation is a lot different.

Back then Allen and I (mostly Allen) found a nonprofit in jersey through his wife who's from there. We coordinated directly with that nonprofit as far as what they needed, and brought the supplies to their doorstep. It was a fun roadtrip, and they very much appreciated all the stuff the club donated to them. The boardwalk was kinda tore up, but the roads right up to that were all good for the most part.

This time the disaster is worse, much worse. We're not allowed to drive there, no one really is. That's why the run Chris is talking about is not directly to the region, but to a dropzone where the supplies can be helicoptered in.

It's tragic.

 

[erymer]

Good on you for trying to help. Stacy and the kids drove up to Boone today. Samaritans Purse has a site set up there. I’m going Thursday when I get back from Chesapeake. May even take off next week as well. I found out today that we (Volvo) are sending a mobile Genset to Brevard with a relief group so I may end up there.

 

[Hokie LX]

Latest supply needs from Operation AirDrop for anyone planning to go shopping today for dropoff to the monthly meeting tonight.

Priority Donation List:

Pre-mixed baby formula, chewable Benadryl, more foods like nut mixes, beef jerky, granola bars (think hiking foods!), baby food, towels (new), diapers, socks (new)

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Home - North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster

State/Territory VOAD of the Year 2016-2017

www.ncvoad.org

 

[Hokie LX]

Big thank you to those who brought donations last night! @Fort Knox @jimsmith1370 @SeanLX snd anyone else who threw stuff in the back of my truck when I wasn’t looking. My truck is filled with items.

I have some meetings this morning then I'll be driving up midday to drop supplies off in Hickory. They are shifting from focusing on rescue missions to focus on supply drops to these remote areas starting today.

 

[Hokie LX]

Wanted to update everyone as I’m eating lunch after dropping off the donations. These were dropped at the Hickory campus for App state, right next to the hickory regional airport where Operation AirDrop and CERT are continuing to do helicopter supply drops to the remote areas.

They were very happy to receive the large number of towels, baby supplies, wipes, cleaning supplies, and high protein trail snack type foods that I dropped off. These were high need items.

The number of private citizens bringing supplies west on I40 is heartwarming. Trucks and trailers packed full of water, generators, portable diesel tanks/pumps, generator lights, supplies, etc. It was great to see the citizens of NC and the surrounding areas providing support. Thanks again to those who dropped off donations!

 

[Beams37]

We're making our second run up to Boone tomorrow. I'll second what many have said, give the support if you can. If you can't please pray for these folks. I can tell from first hand knowledge that they are hurting. As these small towns open back up, I would also encourage you to visit and support the local businesses. They are going to need it!

 

[Hokie LX]

As the SAR winds down and that area just needs help clearing trees, clean up, etc maybe we can organize a volunteer work trip to go help. Not sure exactly what will be needed but I’m sure volunteers will be needed for a while.

The clean up and other efforts will be ongoing for months.

 

[JohnVee]

The club BOD is discussing a cash donation to the recovery effort for our NC people. It's gonna be a long recovery so we haven't felt the need to do it immediately. I'm sorry if that offends some of you but it's the reality of the situation - donations slow down over time so we'd like to be able to help as ongoing needs are determined.

Please comment with your preferred non-profit organizations. We'd like to consider the org's that are closest to your hearts before sending out a check.

 

[gasman4u]

The club BOD is discussing a cash donation to the recovery effort for our NC people. It's gonna be a long recovery so we haven't felt the need to do it immediately. I'm sorry if that offends some of you but it's the reality of the situation - donations slow down over time so we'd like to be able to help as ongoing needs are determined.

Please comment with your preferred non-profit organizations. We'd like to consider the org's that are closest to your hearts before sending out a check.

This is a good point. As time goes on, the media shiny object changes regardless of whether or not peoples' lives are still in pieces. Some of the national well known non profits have had their reputation tarnish IMO over the recent years. Please be judicious (as I'm sure you will be) with who you choose and try to make it as local a trustworthy org as you can.

 

[S4Cruiser]

We dropped a truck bed of stuff off at the Todd volunteer fire department, propane canisters, camp stoves, chainsaw bars and chains, flashlights and some shelf stable food. No pics cause they were super busy serving meals and helping folks with supplies.

 

[weejub]

The club BOD is discussing a cash donation to the recovery effort for our NC people. It's gonna be a long recovery so we haven't felt the need to do it immediately. I'm sorry if that offends some of you but it's the reality of the situation - donations slow down over time so we'd like to be able to help as ongoing needs are determined.

Please comment with your preferred non-profit organizations. We'd like to consider the org's that are closest to your hearts before sending out a check.

Our truck is loaded up - and then I read on Facebook of the overwhelming response and the donations becoming an dissemination and delivery issue, also storage issues. Per your point @JohnVee - this thing is going to be in phases over years - life saving phase, food/water/shelter phase, infrastructure phase, economic phase, all layered/overlapping depending town/county/person/business. Everyone wants to do more, but like someone wrote, we need to pace ourselves vs push a bunch of crap out and then assume we can go do a hurricane creek camping trip in two weeks. That is extreme I know, and none of us feel that way, but there are people who will in a couple weeks outside of this group.

 

[kbahus]

I was sent to McDowell county on a swiftwater rescue team the day before the storm hit and was at ground zero for the duration. All I can say is the local community is amazing, there were many acts of heroism that saved lives performed by the average Joe as well as a staggering amount of comradery within the rural communities. Everyone took care of everyone, it was heart warming.