Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief Efforts

The Town of Oak Ridge wishes to extend its support to all who have been affected by the destructive forces of Hurricane Helene. To our neighbors in the west, we offer our strength and hope to help you recover. Out of an abundance of kindness and concern, many desire to offer their assistance. Information has been compiled below to assist you with your heartfelt efforts to help. Please connect with an organization that is already a part of the coordinated relief efforts.
 
From Guilford County Emergency Management:
Commodity donations are not encouraged at this time; however, if there are questions for where to send them, please contact the NCEM Business EOC at BEOC@ncdps.gov or NCVOAD at https://www.ncvoad.org/how-to-help/.
Information for monetary donations, disaster assistance, and other questions can be found at the NC Emergency Management website for this response at www.ncdps.gov/helene
 
From NC VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters) via Buncombe County gov’t.:
Please do not send/attempt to deliver donated items unless you connect with an organization that is in the coordinated relief efforts. Additionally, cash is always best as organizing, sorting, and storing donated items can quickly become overwhelming when well-intended supplies show up unscheduled or may not best fit the needs. Donation information and questions can be answered through the following:
• NC Disaster Relief Fund: nc.gov/donate
 
Other agencies mobilized to provide support:
• Samaritan’s Purse of Watauga County: Samaritan's Purse
• Forsyth Humane Society to foster pets displaced by the storm: foster@forsythhumane.org with the subject line “Hurricane Helene Foster”
• YMCA of Greensboro for donations of items, go to YMCA of Greensboro on Facebook for a full list of acceptable donations and donation sites
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC: Second Harvest Food Bank
• A Simple Gesture Greensboro:  A Simple Gesture Greensboro is accepting donations of non-perishable items through Oak Ridge Presbyterian, 2614 Oak Ridge Road
• Oak Ridge Methodist Church: ORMC will be a drop-off location for donations. The drop-off area will be in the corridor between the office and the walking track. The church is open Monday – Thursday (8am to 5pm) or bring your donations Sunday morning.