DENVER — Hurricane Helene hit Florida as a Category 4 storm, tearing through the Sunshine State before heading north through Georgia and the Carolinas.
The devastating storm left millions without power, and with limited access to basic supplies as they assess the damages and begin the long process of rebuilding.
The death toll from the storm topped 130 people across several states and a crisis is unfolding in Asheville, North Carolina, as officials pledged to get more water, food and other supplies to flood-stricken areas that still lack power and cellular service days later.
"We have levels in the Red Cross," said volunteer Kim Mailes. "Level 1 is a home fire, level 7 is Katrina. In North Carolina right now, we've got a level 7 going on."
Mailes is from Highlands Ranch, and is currently deployed near Tampa.
He said the size and scope of this storm is unlike anything he's seen before.
"The needs are great, but we're going to meet the need, that's all there is to it."
With scenes of destruction from some of the hardest-hit areas reaching across the globe, several nonprofits are beginning to accept donations to directly help those affected by Helene.
The Red Cross said they're in desperate need of more volunteers to fill the spots being vacated as deployments end.
"This current storm, it's going to be lingering for quite some time," said Communications Manager Josh Egbert. "The need is huge."
Red Cross
Red Cross volunteers
Interested volunteers can sign up at redcross.org/volunteer.
All candidates must complete necessary training and be able to commit to a two-week deployment. Applicants who don’t have disaster experience, but have supervision, management or organization skills; a strong desire to help others; and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, are encouraged to apply.
As of Monday, more than 900 Red Cross disaster responders are on the ground across 10 states affected by Helene in the southeast, including North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida.
Red Cross financial donation
The American Red Cross is gathering funds for efforts to help those impacted by Helene. Donations can either be made online here or via phone by calling 1-800-435-7669.
If you wish to donate by mail, you can print and fill out a donation form and mail it to:
American Red Cross
PO Box 37839
Boone, IA 50037-0839
You can also text the word HELENE to 90999 to make a donation.
Red Cross blood donation
Helene caused more than 1,500 blood donations to go uncollected in the Southeast — yet the need for blood remains constant for patients in need.
Those outside the affected areas are encouraged to schedule a blood donation appointment now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or using the Blood Donor App to help restock shelves.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has launched a page for donations to provide food, shelter, emotional and spiritual support to survivors and rescue workers after the storm. The Salvation Army Hurricane Helene Relief donation page is available here.
United Way
Local chapters of United Way are accepting donations both for short-term relief efforts and for long-term recovery efforts in areas affected by the storm. You can find your local chapter on the organization's website or donate directly to relief efforts here.
GoFundMe
A direct Hurricane Relief Fund has been established by crowdsource donations website GoFundMe to allow users to donate without worrying about scams, which can crop up in the wake of disasters like Helene.
World Central Kitchen
The World Central Kitchen, led by Chef José Andrés, sets up after disasters and serves hot meals to survivors and emergency responders. Workers from the nonprofit have been staged in Florida since before Helene made landfall, preparing for hungry people without access to food or clean water. Donations to help fund the kitchen can be made on their website.
Donate supplies - Operation Airdrop
Operation Airdrop is working to get much-needed supplies to the mountain counties of North Carolina, which have been flooded by the storm.
A supply donor drop-off location is in the parking lot of Walmart near Concord Regional Airport. The address is 5825 Thunder Road NW, Concord, NC 28027. The donation site is the Miracle Movers truck.
Operation Airdrop has identified multiple destinations, with the largest being Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). They are also working to reach additional locations including Boone that have significant needs, including remote areas.
Those near North Carolina with access to a plane can sign up with Operation Airdrop to be a volunteer pilot, distributing supplies to communities that are difficult to reach by ground.
Shop at Harris Teeter
Harris Teeter has also launched a Round Up campaign so customers can pitch in.
Beginning at all stores on Sunday, Sept. 29, customers can round up their purchase to the nearest whole dollar at checkout to benefit the Red Cross.
The campaign will last for 30 days, with 100% of funds raised going to the Red Cross. The grocer also encouraged customers to help in other ways if possible.
