South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper announced that over $14 million has been donated to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund following Hurricane Helene's impact on Western North Carolina. The funds are aiding nonprofits in addressing immediate needs of storm victims.

"The road to recovery from Hurricane Helene is steep and challenging, but North Carolina is determined to succeed and every one of these donations helps," Governor Cooper stated. "We are heartened to see so many people continuing to support Western North Carolina and we are deeply grateful for each dollar donated."

The donations have funded grants totaling $841,606 for 86 organizations across 29 affected counties. Nonprofits in western North Carolina can apply for immediate needs grants through United Way of North Carolina. Remaining funds will later support long-term recovery efforts via the North Carolina Community Foundation.

Since activation, the Disaster Relief Fund has received contributions from all 50 states and countries such as Canada, Great Britain, and Taiwan. Donations came from schoolchildren, churches, corporations, foundations, and anonymous donors.

Significant contributors include Lennar Homes Foundation with $1 million; BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation also with $1 million; Taiwan (Taipei Economic And Cultural Office) with $300,000; Verizon with $300,000; FEETURES! with $230,708; Seqirus with $175,000; Amgen Foundation with $150,000; Centene with $100,000 among others.

Personal notes accompanied many individual donations expressing hope and solidarity. A donor from Pasadena wrote: "Please accept this donation as a sign that other Americans outside of your beautiful state have heard of the devastation and sincerely want to reach out to help." An Indiana church noted: "While our contribution is a mere drop in the bucket...we know many drops will fill that bucket."

United Way of North Carolina manages the fund's finances providing grants for emergency supplies like food and water. Brittany Pruitt Fletcher from United Way said: “Nonprofits play a crucial role in disaster response...the grants provided through the NC Disaster Relief Fund have been vital in delivering emergency assistance.”

Chasity Poteat Rice from C2Life Foundation remarked on their grant usage: “We were able to utilize the relief dollars to purchase...shelf stable meals kits.” They continue preparing meals as power restoration progresses.

Eligible nonprofits can seek up to $10,000 for immediate recovery needs by applying through United Way’s website. Once these needs are met, remaining funds will be allocated for long-term recovery by local foundations.

Donations can be made online at nc.gov/donate or mailed directly. Contributions are tax-deductible within legal limits.