CALS Responds: Hurricane Helene Support

Get Assistance and Learn How You Can Help

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.

Guidance for CALS Employees in Western NC

– How You Can Help –

As a reminder, eligible employees are granted paid time off to volunteer through NC State Community Service Leave (CSL)

Community Service Leave Policy

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

  • NC State Extension Disaster Relief Fund | Monetary Donations | Donations will help Extension staff on the ground in western North Carolina as they bring resources and supplies to residents | Donate Now

Campus Clubs and Organizations

  • VetMed Disaster Relief Fund | Monetary Donations | Donations help supply CVM’s mobile unit, which is currently in western North Carolina to help small and large animals in need of rescue, medical attention, and food | Donate Now
  • Student Emergency Fund | Monetary Donations | Donations will assist students from western North Carolina with financial needs as they arise | Donate Now

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.

– Additional Resources for Those Affected by Helene –

Go to this page on the web