By Becky Long
Publisher
Clay County residents are opening their hearts and pocketbooks to help communities in Asheville and across the South that were heavily damaged during Hurricane Helene. On Monday, the death toll topped 130, according to the Associated Press.
Residents were stranded by washed-out roads, lack of power, cell service and fresh water. The 133 deaths were reported from six Southeastern states including North Carolina and Florida.
Churches and civic groups have held supply drives and served and drop-off centers while many emergency personnel, DOT workers and Blue Ridge Mountain EMC workers have been sent to help in the devestated areas.
“Clay County was unbelievably fortunate to have been spared from the devastation Helene brought to Counties toward the east. With that, however, came the obligation for Clay County to send as many resources to help them as possible,” Sheriff Mark Buchanan said. “On Saturday, two Clay County Sheriff’s Officers were sent to help the Black Mountain and Montreat Police Departments. Those communities were destroyed by Helene. On Monday, they were joined by two additional Clay County Officers while another two Officers were sent to assist the Avery County Sheriff’s Office.”
Buchanan said that since Saturday morning, five and a half pallets of bottled water, approximately 620 gallons of gas, and an abundance of other needed supplies have been delivered to law enforcement agencies in Haywood, Buncombe and Avery counties. Walmart in Murphy, Home Depot in Blairsville and Tractor Supply in Murphy donated this water.
He said local contractor Chris Cotton donated a tanker trailer with 500 gallons of gasoline to be sent to Black Mountain and Montreat for the operation of emergency vehicles.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office encouraged anyone wanting to send relief to make sure that any resources sent have been specifically requested and for specific locations.
“Arriving unexpectedly to a location with supplies or personnel can often result in confusion and having resources left where they are less needed,” he said.
Here’s a few of the local drop-off sites for donations and supplies:
• The Wines & Steins event on the Hayesville town square, Saturday, Oct. 5 will be taking donations of cash and checks for victims of Tropical Storm Helene in Asheville.
• In addition, Michael Plumber at Nocturnal has opened up Nocturnal for people who need WiFi starting on Monday, Sept. 30. Plumber has also taken two loads of water to Asheville and is taking another one Monday and will continue to collect whatever is donated.
• The impacts of Hurricane Helene are being felt intensively in our neighboring counties. Students of Hayesville Middle School JR Beta and JR Civitan are working together to organize a supply drive to provide relief to families and businesses during this difficult time.
All items can be dropped off at the main office of HMS. If a business would like to make a monetary donation, please write checks out to HMS JR Beta!
Supplies needed
Sports Drinks (powdered packets)
Hydration Packs (powdered form)
Baby wipes
Diapers (children and adults)
Baby Formula
Bug Spray
Sunscreen
Plastic Utensils
Manual Can Openers
Trash Bags (13 gallon or contractor)
Non-perishable Foods
Cleaning Supplies
Aspirin
Spray Deodorant
Toilet Paper
C123 Batteries
Shaving Cream/Razors
Plastic Sheeting/Tarps
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Toiletries/Sanitation Items
Pet Food (Dog&Cat)
Hand Sanitizer
Sanitizer Wipes
Feminine Hygiene Products
Heavy Duty Work Gloves
Clothes - all sizes (shirts, pants/shorts, underwear, socks, etc)