Hurricane Helene brought unprecedented destruction to the Mountains of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. The response to this tragedy has been astounding. Necessary supplies and lifesaving gifts have poured in from all over the country, and the Appalachian people are deeply grateful for the loving kindness shown to them. Initially, the supply and distribution of life-saving supplies and search and rescue operations were needed. The situation has quickly evolved, and now help to restore services, provide necessary resources, open impassable areas, and begin the long cleanup process is needed.
The devastation is unimaginable, and the cleanup will be slow and difficult. Moving forward, the greatest needs of the people in these devastated areas are as follows:
1. Prayer for strength and encouragement. Some have lost most of their worldly goods. Some have lost the lives of their family members and friends. Many people are still missing and are assumed to be deceased.
2. Financial gifts and specific supplies are urgently needed.
a. Gift Registry. Because of the generosity of caring people around the country, many needed supplies have been sent to the area, and churches and other groups have shared their resources to supply those in need. However, the needs are continually evolving. A great way to consistently help with immediate needs is by visiting the regularly updated gift registry and sending supplies directly to a disaster relief hub. Please consider clicking on one of the registries below and purchasing some needed resources.
b. Financial gifts help purchase previously unprovided or insufficient resources and are also used to help those most drastically affected recover. Many people have lost their homes, their livelihoods, or both. Your financial gifts can make a significant difference in sustaining these needy families as they try to recover and get back on their feet. We work closely with churches that already know or carefully vet the individuals or families to which monetary gifts are given. Your tax-deductible gift makes such a difference!
Financial donations may be sent to:
Royal River Baptist Church
P.O. Box 1343
Yarmouth, ME 04096
Please write Disaster Relief on the memo line.
3. Laborers. As ongoing relief efforts, cleanup, and restoration continue, a continual flow of laborers will be needed. You may volunteer by clicking the button below to be directed to our Disaster Relief Volunteer Registry.
Thank you for your prayers, financial donations, gifts, and love shown to the people of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee!