How high schools are helping those affected by flooding in western NC

Many high schools in North Carolina are putting together efforts to help the victims of flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina.

Some schools are planning supply drives, others are raising money for organizations who are directly involved in relief efforts.

HighSchoolOT is collecting a list of events where you can help make a difference for those impacted by the flooding. If you are a representative of a school and would like us to include your plans on this page, please email highschoolot@wral.com.

If you would like to donate money online, you can make donations to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund at nc.gov/donate.

Most locations collecting goods are accepting powdered drink mixes for hydration, baby supplies, bug spray and sunscreen, plastic utensils, manual can openers, trash bags, non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, plastic sheeting and tarps, toothbrushes and toothpaste, toiletries, pet food, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, heavy duty work gloves, and new/unopened socks.

Some locations are accepting bottled water, however some cannot accept bottled water due to weight. Used clothes, hazardous materials, most chemicals (including bleach), fuel, and flammable items cannot be accepted.

For specific information, contact the hosts of the site you are donating at.

High schools helping flood victims

• Corvian Community School & Community School of Davidson: Encouraging people to donate goods at the Evolution Aquatic & Activity Center (11202 Harris Rd in Huntersville) through 10 AM on Thursday. All items will be given to Operation Air Drop to provide to victims of Hurricane Helene. Bottled water cannot be accepted due to weight.
• Davidson Day School: Collecting water, non-perishable foods, and diapers during carpool on the morning of Sept. 30
• Green Level High School: Collecting donations at its home football game on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Items needed include bottled water, canned food, baby supplies, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, etc.
• Independence High School: Collecting numerous essential items to distribute to affected areas (see list above). Items can be dropped off at the school Monday-Wednesday from 7:00 AM until 2:00 PM. For more information, call (980) 343-6900.
• Lake Norman High School: Collecting items in the front office and at both home games the week of Oct. 1. Items needed include water, baby items, toiletries, pet food, sanitizing wipes, and non-perishable foods.
• Lakewood High School: Collecting needed items for flood victims, such as water, non-perishable food items, pet food, toiletries, trash bags, baby formula, diapers, and more during its football game on Sept. 30. Items can be dropped off at the concession stand. Items can also be taken to Salemburg Baptist Church or Warren Service Station in Salemburg.
• Parkwood High School: FCA is collecting bottled water, protein bars, baby formual, powdered sports drinks, and diapers.
• South Mecklenburg High School: School is collecting donations in front of the football stadium on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 3:00-8:00 PM. Accepted items include powdered packets for sports drinks and hydration, baby wipes and diapers, bug spray and sunscreen, baby formula, plastic utensils, manual can openers, trash bags, non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, plastic sheeting and tarps, toiletries, pet food, and other items. For more information, contact southmeckdrive@gmail.com.
• Southwest Guilford High School: Free entry to volleyball games on Oct. 1 or Oct. 2 with the donation of two items or a single case of water/Gatorade. Items needed include cleaning products, non-perishable food, and basic hygiene products.
• Willow Spring High School: Collecting items at its home football game on Sept. 30. Items needed include water, non-perishable food, baby supplies, pet food, hygiene products, bug spray, sunscreen, cleaning supplies, trash bags, and tarps/plastic sheeting.

High schools in western NC serving their communities

• Ashe County High School: Food, water, and electricity is available for people who need it
• Watauga High School: Serving as an emergency water distribution site