Organizers want shipments of Hurricane Helene relief supplies staggered

Relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina are becoming overwhelming for those coordinating the donations.

The Friends of Harnett County have been hard at work since the hurricane struck, preparing two 18-wheelers full of supplies.

One truck is filled with non-perishable items like diapers, food, and medicine, while the other is refrigerated, containing food that a volunteer from Harnett County plans to cook for the community near the Banner Elk Fire Department.

Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats is helping to organize the relief efforts.

After visiting the mountains and speaking with the Avery County Sheriff, he shared that the community is deeply grateful for the donations, especially coats and warm clothing. However, it’s coming in faster than they can get it out.

“And they are inundated with right now and they’re not turning anything down,” Wayne Coats, Harnett County Sheriff said. “But they know they’ve got to live like this six months to a year.”

Those people who experienced Hurricanes Matthew and Florence in Cumberland County understand that recovery is a marathon not a sprint.

Inside one of the trucks, they have bacon, chicken wings, pork chops, and two whole hogs, all set to be shipped to western North Carolina, where they’ll be cooked for the local community.

If you’re planning to send supplies to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene here is a link to organizations that are scheduling their distribution.