If you want to help people impacted by Helene, WSLS 10 News has compiled this list. If you know of another way to help that should be added to this list, please email news@wsls.com
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American Red Cross Virginia Region
This team has worked with emergency management agencies and other partners across the region to help those impacted, including providing support to shelters in Bristol and Marion. To find out how you can help, go to redcross.org.
There is also a need for blood. You can find local places to donate here.
Disaster Recovery Center in Marion
If you need assistance after Hurricane Helene, a Disaster Recovery Center will soon open in Smyth County at the Public Safety Administration Building, located at 230 S. Park Street in Marion, on Thursday at 8 a.m. Those impacted by the storm can visit any DRC to receive assistance to:
- Apply for disaster assistance
- Check the status of your FEMA application
- Help you understand FEMA notices or letters
- Find housing and rental assistance information
- Learn how to replace lost documents
- Receive referrals to other Virginia agencies
- Get information about low-interest Small Business Administration (SBA) loans
Feeding Southwest Virginia
Feeding Southwest Virginia was on the ground in the community of Damascus over the weekend delivering water to families amidst severe flooding. Family food boxes were also shared in collaboration with community partners. While residents in seven counties across Southwest Virginia evacuate and rebuild, Feeding Southwest Virginia will work closely with multiple partners to provide support and comfort. They’re asking for people to help stock shelves: feedingswva.org.
Gleaning for the World
Use this link to donate securely and help those who were impacted by Helene.
God’s Pit Crew
This organization is helping in Virginia and beyond. You can read about their efforts in this link. For those looking to assist with God’s Pit Crew’s disaster response initiatives, volunteer and donation opportunities can be found by visiting GodsPitCrew.org or by calling and speaking to a representative at (434) 836-4472.
The Blood Connection
The Blood Connection (TBC), announced the blood products inventory is at a critical level in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Though TBC worked vigilantly through the storm to continue operations, the storm caused several centers to be without power and water, as well as grounded their bloodmobiles due to dangerously high wind gusts and flooding.
As a result of not being able to take donations during the storm, TBC has lost hundreds of platelet donors and countless more whole blood donors. TBC needs to collect about 1,000 units of blood daily to sustain local hospital needs.
The Blood Connection is working diligently to make sure that no hospital, EMS, or air transport service is forced to forgo care for a patient because they do not have the blood products they need.
Donation centers have extended hours from 7AM-7PM, Sunday, September 29th, and are open from 7AM-7PM Monday through Friday this week. Appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, or find a mobile blood drive near you, visit thebloodconnection.org/donate
United Way of Southwest Virginia
United Way of Southwest Virginia (UWSWVA) has stepped forward as the lead organization to raise funding for the emergency response and long-term recovery efforts in Southwest Virginia. UWSWVA has initiated the 2024 SWVA Regional Disaster Relief Fund and will seed the first $25,000. All proceeds will directly support relief and recovery programs. The organization is collaborating with local government agencies, businesses, and fellow non-profits to ensure aid reaches those most in need swiftly and efficiently. UWSWVA is calling on individuals, businesses, and organizations to contribute to the relief effort by donating on the UWSWVA website. All funds will be allocated to both immediate relief efforts and long-term recovery initiatives, ensuring that no family is left behind in the rebuilding process. To learn more about how you can support the recovery efforts, please visit the United Way of Southwest Virginia website.
Riverview Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Rich Creek, Protectors N Paws
These are all resources that are helping those in Giles County. First Baptist Church Rich Creek was helping people Monday from 5-7 p.m. and will also bring food to those who need it. Protectors N Paws are also accepting donations to assist with Flood Relief in Giles County. You can find the Facebook page for Protectors N Paws here. Giles County also continues to add resources to its website.
One of those resources is the Giles County Disaster Relief Fund for those wishing to contribute money. Anyone interested can donate by visiting any National Bank of Blacksburg location and make a deposit to the “Giles County Disaster Relief Fund” or visit the county’s online portal on their website.
Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce:
The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce will be teaming up with Feeding Southwest Virginia to collect goods for those in need following the Hurricane damage. The Chamber office will have a drop-off location.
New River Valley First Responder Coalition Hurricane Relief and Supply Drive
The New River Valley First Responder Coalition is looking to support those affected by Hurricane Helene with a supply drive. Here are the items that the coalition is collecting at this time:
- Bottled Water
- Canned Goods
- Baby Food and Supplies (Diapers, wipes, formula)
- Blankets
- Toiletries
- Cleaning Supplies
- Note: Monetary donations or closes will not be accepted at this time.
The following places are acting as 24/7 drop-off locations:
- Blacksburg Police Department: 200 Clay St. SE, Blacksburg, VA, 24060
- Virginia Tech Police Department: 330 Sterrett Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24060
- Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office: 1 E. Main St, Christiansburg, VA, 24073
- Christiansburg Police Department: 10 E. Main St., Christiansburg, VA, 24073
Rescue Squads and Fire Departments Monday- Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Blacksburg Rescue Squad: 1300 Progress St., Blacksburg, VA, 24060
- Blacksburg Fire Department Station 1: 200 Progress St., Blacksburg, VA, 24060
- Christiansburg Fire Department: 110 Depot St W., Christiansburg, VA, 24073
Word Help sets up Hurricane Helene relief drop-off site
If you’re looking for a way to help people impacted by Hurricane Helene, Christian humanitarian World Help now has a drop-off location where you can donate items.
You can drop supplies at their office in Forest 1148 Corporate Park Drive, Forest, VA 24551 to be transported to western North Carolina on Saturday.
The organization is asking for the following items:
- Non-perishable food items such as canned goods and individually packaged snacks
- Bottled water, fruit juice, or sports drinks (20 oz. or smaller)
- Cleaning supplies such as mops, buckets, sponges, gloves, and trash bags
- Diapers, wipes, baby formula, and baby food
- Toilet paper and paper products
- Toiletries
- Can openers
- First aid supplies
- Pet food
Central Virginia First Responders
Central Virginia First Responders are preparing to assist other first responders that have been impacted by Helene. They are taking donations at the following locations:
- Altavista Police Department
- Amherst County Sheriff’s Office
- Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office
- Bedford County Sheriff’s Office
- Bedford Police Department
- Campbell County Sheriff’s Office
- Liberty University Police Department
- Lynchburg Police Department
- Lynchburg Sheriff’s Office
- Any Lynchburg Fire station or their Administration Building
- Monelison Fire Department
If you know of another way to help that should be added to this list, please email news@wsls.com