Despite sparse coverage on national news, the devastation left in Hurricane Helene’s wake is unimaginable, according to those with boots on the ground in North Carolina. According to military and government personnel, due to the storm’s extensive damage, rescue and relief efforts will continue for weeks and months as they attempt to aid people and animals stranded in the wake of this recent storm, especially those in rural, mountain towns.
First and Foremost: Civilians, Please Stay Home!
Government officials, military leaders, are insisting that civilians stay out of affected areas, including Asheville, Boone, and Candor. It has continued to rain in many of the heavily affected areas since the start of the storm, so the water hasn’t had time to recede. Access to many of the small, rural, mountain towns is impossible by motor vehicle; many affected areas are currently only accessible by air due to washed out roadways or landslides. There have also been episodes of violence upon relief workers and people bringing food or supplies into the area because the people stranded in these mountain areas are getting very desperate. Civilians who want to help should not attempt to enter these areas. Trained professionals like police and members of the military need to be able to do their jobs, and untrained civilians trying to help end up doing more harm than good. They block roadways, and often get themselves into situations that they need rescued from, taking time and resources from rescue efforts.
The Best Way to Help is with Your Wallet
In these first days, rescue efforts are focused mainly on human lives — and in reality, animals can only receive the care they need if their humans also have their most basic necessities met.
But animal and equine rescue organizations are mobilizing, and these organizations will be working for weeks and months ahead.
Currently, the best way to help is to donate.
Here are some organizations that will be in desperate need of financial support in the coming days, weeks, and months ahead:
◆ American Red Cross North Carolina: In order for animals to get the care and help that they need, their humans need to be safe as well. To make a financial donation, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767), text HELENE to 90999, or donate online.
◆ Operation Airdrop ensures that essential supplies reach those in need when ground transportation is compromised. For more information about Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts, visit here.
◆ Animal Search and Rescue (ASAR) is staged in Statesville and providing immediate relief for animals in the mountains. Visit here to help.
◆ Fleet of Angels is an equine-specific rescue organization that is currently organizing vets, equine supplies, and relief for horses. To help equines affected by Hurricane Helene, donate to the most urgent need or natural disaster fund here.
◆ The Humane Society of the United States is also in action in the Southeast, supporting animals. Please visit here to donate.
◆ Green River Foundation: If you are interested in making a financial contribution to recovery efforts, you may write a check to the Green River Foundation and mail to the above address with “Hurricane Helene relief” in the memo. 100% of your donation will go to the relief efforts in Polk, Rutherford, Henderson and Buncombe Counties in North Carolina and Spartanburg County, South Carolina. 100% of the contribution will be tax deductible.
◆ Tryon International is hosting first responders. Beginning Thursday, October 3, a supply distribution and donation drop off point will be open from 10 a.m. -6 p.m. daily for free supplies available to anyone who needs them, for humans, pets and livestock. This distribution center will operate as a drive-through, staffed with volunteers and Tryon International team members, as part of the Polk County network of disaster relief locations. Follow signs for drive-through pick up or drop off of supplies.
Location:
2676 John Shehan Rd,
Mill Spring, NC 28756
Limited showers and laundry facilities are available at the Lodging Office building at 2676 John Shehan Road. Please bring your own towels for shower facilities, and expect a wait.
Thursday, October 3, a free community meal will be provided near the Tryon International Lodging Office, with more information to come.
How to Help with Tryon’s Efforts:
Donations are being accepted starting Wednesday, October 2 for the supply distribution and donation drop off point, starting at 10 a.m. at the Indoor Complex at Tryon International. The following items are being requested:
◆ Water
◆ Non-perishable food items
◆ Hygiene items
◆ Baby formula and diapers
◆ Towels
◆ Socks and underwear
◆ First-aid kits
◆ Batteries and flashlights
◆ Portable chargers/battery packs
◆ Animal hay and feed, pet food, and kitty litter
◆ Shovels, tarps, chainsaws, and work gloves
◆ Hand sanitizer
◆ Buckets and trash bags
◆ Coolers
Please contact media@tryon.com if you would like to volunteer to receive donations or to help distribute items to community members.
Many have asked if they can ship donations to Tryon to distribute to the first responders and via our pending supply center. The answer is yes: if you are unable to physically bring donations but want to ship supplies to Tryon International for distribution, you can do so at the below address.
Tryon International
Attn: Hurricane Donations
4066 Pea Ridge Road
Mill Spring, NC 28756
All Tryon International restaurants will be opened starting Wednesday, October 2, to support our community, guests and first responders on-site. They will continue offering all-you-can-eat buffets that have previously been offered in Campagna Italian Cuisine, relocating to Legends Club.
