Community bands together, where to donate to relief efforts in WNC or get help

Members of the Gaston County Republican Party spent time this week loading a truck with toilet paper, water and other supplies for a drive into western North Carolina in hopes of offering aid to communities hit the hardest by Hurricane Helene.

Other groups across Gaston County have made similar efforts since the hurricane devastated the area, and several community organizations and churches are still accepting donations to help those displaced by the storm.

This week, the North Carolina Department of Public safety issued a request that individual residents refrain from self-deploying to heavily affected areas as to keep critical supply lines open, however, they do encourage volunteering or donating with an accredited organization for those looking to help.

Here is everything you need to know about efforts by the United Way of Gaston County, which is working with other accredited organizations in their relief efforts.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Gaston County families have gone without power, clean water and other essentials.

Officials from the United Way of Gaston County said in a press release that despite many Gaston residents being personally affected by Helene themselves, they found some still looking to donate or aid in relief efforts for WNC.

The local chapter has worked closely with the United Way of North Carolina and the American Red Cross to plan relief efforts for locally impacted residents and those in WNC, the release said.

In partnership with those organizations, the United Way of Gaston County will serve as a donation collection hub.

Essential items like water, paper towels, toilet paper and cleaning supplies can be dropped off at the United Way office, 200 E. Franklin Blvd. in Gastonia from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday.

Monetary donations can be made to the UWHelpsNC Helene Recovery Fund or the United Way of Gaston County, with the option to designate Gaston County as the focus of support for local community members in need.

Those looking to volunteer in person can find opportunities at www.nvoad.org .

Additionally, the United Way is supporting loved ones looking to reconnect with a family member impacted by the hurricane in WNC.

"Those trying to contact loved ones in the affected areas of North Carolina can access NC 2-1-1 by texting "PERSON" to 40403 to aid in search and rescue efforts," the release said.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Community bands together, where to donate to relief efforts in WNC or get help