CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – In response to the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, several organizations in Charlottesville and surrounding areas are organizing efforts to collect and send much-needed supplies to the affected communities in North Carolina and Tennessee. Residents are encouraged to contribute through supply donations or financial support to aid in the recovery efforts.

Here is a list of local groups currently collecting donations:

  • Sam’s Club, 970 Hilton Heights Rd, Charlottesville: Toy Lift founder Tom Powell collecting and delivering supplies for western NC for as long as he can get tractor trailers to do it.  Contact Powell at “tom@toylift.org” to volunteer and for more information. Click here to see a video of thanks after the first delivery was made over the weekend.
  • Autumn Trails Veterinary Center: Running a supply drive until Monday, October 14, Autumn Trails is collecting items for both two-legged and four-legged victims of the hurricane. Items in need include pet food and supplies, baby food, diapers, elder care supplies, toiletries, non-perishable food, towels, blankets, and bottled water. Donations can be dropped off at their office between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., 7 days a week.
  • Moving Forward: A local moving company is organizing a supply run early next week. They are collecting cleaning supplies, water, non-perishable food, and are also looking to purchase generators, chainsaws, and other tools. Donations can be dropped off at their office on Avon Street from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Larger donations can be arranged for pickup.
  • Scottsville Task Force 17 – “Carolina Strong” Collection: Through Saturday, October 19, Task Force 17, led by Capt. Jack Maxwell, will be collecting supplies at various locations. The current location is Victory Hall at 401 Valley Street, 2nd-floor in the Chambers Meeting Room. Items needed include non-perishable food, elderly care supplies, toiletries, baby supplies/food, socks (adults/kids), drinking water, Ensure/protein, rubbing alcohol, paper towels, paper plates, paper cups, tissues, blankets, cleaning supplies, pet food/supplies, wash cloths, hygiene supplies, feminine hygiene products, and boxes for packing. For updates, visit @svilletf17 on social media. Click here for updated location information, or call 434-996-8073.
  • Help For Helene Concert, 5:30pm Friday, October 18, Cunningham Creek Winery in Fluvanna County: two stages of live music, performances by five popular Fluvanna artists, food trucks, beer and wine; the event is accepting donations in lieu of a cover charge, with a suggested minimum donation of $5 per person; performers will include Wrong Way Johnny, Cake Fight,  Jefferson Speedboat, Gary Hawthorne of Tobe Fare, and Eliza Mose; the idea for the concert originated from Wrong Way Johnny’s Scott McIntyre and his wife Karen Tolley McIntyre, who have a good friend and fellow musician in Yancey County, N.C.. who hasn’t been able to get to her home because a road and bridge are gone; all donations plus a percentage of Cunningham Creek sales will go to support the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County.
  • Jackson P. Burley Middle School Clothing Drive, 901 Rose Hill Drive: adopted Owen Middle School in Swannanoa, NC; principal there says their greatest need was clothing….especially “middle school” attire such as hoodies, tshirts, leggings, shoes; teachers plan to drive items down there in mid-November, but are looking for a box truck to help; donations accepted October 14 thru November 7 at the counseling office; gently-used clothing please. Click here to see a video of aftermath in Swannanoa.
  • Augusta County local government: Ongoing efforts with collection location at the County Government Center in Verona are updated on the county website. Click here for updated information.
  • United Way of Southwest Virginia has activated the 2024 SWVA Regional Disaster Relief Fund to assist those impacted by the flooding. All 2024 SWVA Regional Disaster Relief Fund donations will go directly to support those impacted by the September 2024 flood. United Way of Southwest Virginia works with authorities and partners in the affected localities to distribute funds.
    Closer to home, supplies are being collected at several locations in Fluvanna County.Tractor Supply – 1418 S Boston Rd, Palmyra, VA 22963 – there will be someone there to receive donations until 7pm each evening until the truck leaves at 6pm Sunday, October 6, 2024.Ace Hardware – 114 Crofton Pl, Palmyra, VA 22963 – with a focus on cleaning supplies.Fork Union Baptist – 4745 James Madison Hwy, Fork Union, VA 23055 – The Church will be open between 10am – 12pm Friday. Please call Darrin at (434) 989-1230 or Rachel at (434) 989-4141 for more information. Donations will be collected in the Fellowship Hall.Needed items:

    • toiletries
    • paper towels
    • paper plates/cups
    • baby supplies/food
    • pet food/supplies
    • hygiene items
    • water/drinks
    • Ensure/protein drinks
    • non-perishable foods
    • ready to eat foods (pop-top cans, grab-and-go items)
    • elder care supplies
    • gloves
    • socks (adult and children)
    • blankets
    • towels
    • buckets
    • batteries
    • flashlights
    • boxes for packing

    *NO ADULT CLOTHES AT THIS TIME*

How Else You Can Help

Financial contributions are often the quickest and most effective way to support relief efforts. Trusted organizations like the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County and the American Red Cross are accepting monetary donations to provide immediate aid. Donations can be made online at unitedwayabc.org or redcross.org.

For a full list of ways to help and ongoing updates, visit CvilleRightNow.com. Let’s come together as a community to support our neighbors in need during this difficult time.

 

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