Hurricane Helene has impacted North Carolina, and CALS is ready to respond. This webpage provides resources and updates for CALS employees across the state, and highlights ways we can support our colleagues, Extension offices, research stations, and the communities we serve. Let’s work together to assist in the recovery efforts and demonstrate the strength and resilience of the CALS community.

This page will be updated regularly with resources and ways the CALS community can assist with hurricane relief efforts.

At this time, individuals are highly encouraged not to travel to western NC to attempt their own volunteer services or to drop off donations. Most roads and highways to western NC are closed and the infrastructure is very dangerous. It is best to collect donation items at an approved donation drop-off site in one’s town or county.

CALS Departments, Field Labs, and Research Stations

• Lake Wheeler Field Lab | Supplies Collection, Volunteers for Loading Supplies | Accepting basic supplies as well as larger equipment | Drop off at two Lake Wheeler locations | Deadline: October 9 | More Information
• Central Crops Research Station | Food/Supplies Collection | Drop off at Central Crops Research Station, Clayton NC | Deadline: October 9 | More Information
• Weaver Labs | Food/Supplies Collection | Drop off in Weaver Labs lobby (main campus) – 3110 Faucette Dr. | Deadline: October 9
• Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences | Food/Supplies Collection | Drop off on Main Campus – Schaub Hall Lobby | Deadline: Oct. 11 | Items needed: bottled water, Gatorade, energy bars, peanut butter, canned meats, fruits or vegetables, infant food/baby formula, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, paper towels, dry shampoo, diapers, cleaning supplies, toiletries, heavy duty work gloves, socks (all sizes, unopened), hand sanitizer | DO NOT drop off: used clothes, hazmat, fuel, flammable items

Campus Clubs and Organizations

• Agribusiness Management Club | Food/Essential Items Drive | Drop off Locations on Main Campus | Sept. 30 – Oct. 31 | Items needed: canned/non-perishable food, drinking water, pet food, baby formula/wipes, trash bags, paper towels/toilet paper, blankets/towels | Learn More

Charlotte and Western Region Efforts

• Source: WFAE 90.7 | Seeking volunteers, supplies, and monetary donations | Learn More
• Operation Airdrop | Seeking pilots/aircraft, volunteers, supplies, monetary donations | Learn More

Raleigh-Durham Area Efforts

• Source: WRAL News | Seeking volunteers, supplies, and monetary donations | Learn More

Government and Non-Profit Organizations

• NC Disaster Relief Fund: The money will support both immediate and long-term recovery efforts in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. The fund is managed by United Way of North Carolina. Donations to the Governor’s NC Disaster Relief Fund can be made here.
• United Way of North Carolina: United Way of North Carolina has launched a UW Helps NC Fund. The fund will support immediate and long-term recovery efforts in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Contributions to the UW Helps NC Fund can be made easily online. Donors can designate their contributions to a specific United Way or allow UWNC to allocate funds to the areas of greatest need.
• American Red Cross: The Red Cross is accepting donations, organizing blood drives and looking for volunteers. Click here to join them or find ways to help those impacted. You can also call 1-800-733-2767.
• Samaritan’s Purse: Samaritan’s Purse mobilizes staff and equipment and enlists thousands of volunteers to provide emergency aid to victims of tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters in the United States. Learn more and donate to Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts.