Rockingham Speedway asks for blankets, animal organizations seek crates for Helene relief

ROCKINGHAM — Collection efforts continue across Richmond County to help those in the mountains affected by Hurricane Helene.

Rockingham Speedway Track Manager Dustin Russell posted a short video to the track’s Facebook page around noon Friday regarding the partnership with Warriors in Motion to get relief to the smaller towns in Western North Carolina.

Russell panned his phone across the room to show supplies that have been dropped off by the community.

Photos posted to the Warriors in Motion page and shared by the speedway show multiple cases and jugs of water, diapers, snacks and pet food.

“We couldn’t do this without you guys,” Russell said. “We thank you … I’m proud of our neighborhood, proud of our community. You guys rock.”

Russell said they are still accepting donations at the front of the office and whatever is dropped off is taken inside about every hour.

Speedway staff and members of Warriors in Motion will be delivering and distributing supplies to “the hard-hit areas that no one’s able to get to,” Russell said. “We’re taking it straight to the people.”

The forecast according to the National Weather Service has overnight lows dropping into the 40s next week.

Russell made a plea for blankets and warm clothing — items that aren’t being accepted by the Red Cross or the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Local animal organizations have been assisting with efforts to help with pets displaced by the storm.

On Saturday Richmond County Operation fix will be taking its second load of supplies to the Forsyth Humane Society, which is serving as a regional hub.

Dog food, cat food and cat crates are the most urgent needs, according to Operation Fix founder Allison Story.

Helping Animals Rescue Transport has been collecting supplies to go to Allegheny County, for both pets and people, and the Humane Society of Richmond County has also had a drop-off location.

Pet supplies can also be dropped off at Re/Max Southern Realty in Rockingham.