Want to make a difference for those impacted by Hurricane Helene? Here’s how to help locally

One emergency services official in North Carolina referred to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene as “ biblical devastation .” Georgia’s governor said overhead scenes made it look as if “ a bomb went off .” And one Florida resident described it as “ complete devastation and loss .”

With the death toll still climbing in the southeastern U.S. — it now stands at more than 175 — and with some communities wiped off the map , Pennsylvania’s neighbors down south are in need of serious help and reconstruction.

And locally, here in Centre County, hundreds of miles from the worst devastation, some are working to make a difference for their fellow Americans — while asking other county residents to also chip in.

The Centre Hall Fire Company (134 Witmer Ave.) announced Tuesday on social media it would serve as a donation site, organizing flood kits, hygiene kits and kids kits to send to those most in need.

Donations will be received through Oct. 31, and items can be dropped off at the fire company between 7-8 p.m. Mondays/Tuesdays and 3-4 p.m. Thursdays — or at other local spots during business hours. Participating businesses and townships include The Express Casual Dining Restaurant (104 E. Wilson St.), Potter Township Municipal Building (124 Short Road), Streamside Family Restaurant (2782 Earlystown Road) and Boalsburg Apothecary (2827 Earlystown Road).

Residents are invited to donate whatever supplies they can, whether it’s one item or everything included in a kit. Specific requested items include:

• Flood kit : liquid laundry detergent, dish soap, scrub brush, matches, 24-50 clothespins, liquid household cleaner, kitchen gloves and/or work gloves, reusable cleaning wipes/towels, large heavy-duty trash bags, 50- to 100-foot clotheslines (cotton or plastic line), bleach, N95 dust masks, scouring pads, duct tape. (Note: Items will be placed in a five-gallon round bucket with a resealable lid.)
• Hygiene kit : hand towel and wash cloth; toothbrush/toothpaste; trial-size containers of shampoo, deodorant and mouthwash; bath-size bars of soap; adhesive bandages; comb or brush; antacids/ibuprofen. (Note: Items will be placed in a one-gallon resealable plastic storage bag.)
• Kids kits : 70-page spiral notebook; handheld pencil sharpener; activity books; sketch pad; eraser; small games/puzzles; crayons, markers or colored pencils; pencils; playing cards. (Note: Items will be placed a small plastic storage container, about the size of a shoe box.)
• Other items requested for donation : cases of water, diapers/baby wipes, feminine hygiene items, powdered milk and cereal, dog and/or cat food, flashlights, granola/protein bars or trail mix, disposable hand wipes; disposable batteries in AA, C or D sizes.

Those who prefer to donate money to the fire company’s efforts — so it can purchase the above items — can do so via check or with cash in-person. Those who would like to drop off items at the fire company but cannot do so during the above hours can set up a drop-off appointment by texting Kim Domin at 703-203-5554.

“The other fire companies in the Centre County region are being contacted and may join in this effort as well,” said a Facebook post on the page of the Centre Hall Volunteer Fire Company. “Stay tuned for further updates.”

Other ways to help, donate

To ensure those who donate do so with trusted organizations, FEMA suggests using as a guide the 80-member list on the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). The four national organizations below all come from that vetted list, and many more trusted charities can be found on NVOAD.org . (Additional organizations that center their focus on a specific state or area can also be found at NVOAD.org/hurricane-helene-response/ .)

• American Red Cross : The organization has deployed more than 1,200 responders across the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. It’s managing shelters, providing food and reuniting family members. Financial donations can be made by visiting RedCross.org , calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or texting the word HELENE to 90999. Additionally, blood donations are requested since Hurricane Helene led to the cancellation of blood drives across the southeast. Those interested in scheduling a blood donation appointment can do so at RedCrossBlood.org .
• Americares : Named by Forbes as one of America’s top-10 charities , Americares is asking for emergency donations to help deliver medicine, supplies and emergency funding to those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Donations can be made online at my.americares.org .
• Salvation Army : As of Wednesday afternoon, the organization has served more than 80,000 hot meals while providing emotional/spiritual care to more than 4,500 as part of Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Those interested can donate at disaster.salvationarmyusa.org , by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by mailing a check to The Salvation Army - Disaster Relief, PO Box 1959, Atlanta, GA 30301.
• United Way: The charity, which retains just 5% of donations for administration costs, is mobilizing resources to help support long-term recovery efforts. Those interested can donate to the Hurricane Helene Fund at support.unitedway.org .