In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Twin Counties are coming together to provide aid for the affected communities in Western North Carolina. Having endured the devastating effects of Hurricane Floyd in 1999, the region understands firsthand the long-term impact a major storm can leave. With floodwaters that swallowed entire neighborhoods, Floyd was often called the "storm of the century," leaving thousands unable to rebuild. Today, the same spirit of resilience is driving the Twin Counties to offer support to those recovering from Helene.

Several Twin Counties businesses and organizations are stepping up to offer direct support for hurricane relief:

-Mayo Mills has pledged to donate three pairs of socks for every one pair purchased on their website, providing comfort and essential items to those displaced by the storm.

-He’s Busy is donating a percentage of its sales to disaster relief efforts in Western North Carolina. Purchasing from this local business allows customers to directly support those in need.

-Clair de Lune is donating 10% of all sales this week to Samaritan’s Purse, a global humanitarian organization aiding those affected by Hurricane Helene.

-Elite Overhead Garage Doors Inc. is accepting donations for the disaster relief effort. Community members can drop off supplies at the following times:

- 10/2 from 5-7:30 PM

- 10/3 from 9 AM-2 PM

- 10/4 from 8 AM-5 PM

-Hobgood Charter School is collecting donations through October 4th. Needed items include toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, bottled water, pop-top canned food, shampoo, baby wipes, and diapers. Donations can be dropped off at the school.

Local churches and educational institutions are playing a significant role in the relief efforts:

-First Church Rocky Mount is collecting donations and assembling cleaning kits to assist storm survivors. Information on how to assemble these kits can be found here.

-Englewood Baptist Church is partnering with Baptists on Mission to accept donations of hygiene items, baby products, cleaning supplies, canned food, and paper goods. Donations can be made at their Winstead Avenue location during the following hours:

- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

- Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 8:15 PM

- Sunday: 8:00 AM - 12:15 PM

-Nash Community College is receiving donations in the Continuing Education Building, with needed supplies listed here.

-Redeemer Church collected shelf-stable food and water to assist sister churches impacted by Helene. While they have stopped accepting donations, their early efforts have made a significant impact.

-Nash Produce is also accepting supplies for disaster relief, Monday to Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM, at their Nashville location.

Twin Counties’ History of Giving

The memory of Hurricane Floyd remains vivid for many in the Twin Counties, where the storm brought catastrophic flooding and loss. That shared history is a driving force behind the current outpouring of support for those affected by Hurricane Helene. The Twin Counties understand the hardship of rebuilding and are determined to provide the help that Western North Carolina communities desperately need.

For more information on how to contribute to relief efforts, visit these local businesses and organizations or contact them directly. Together, the Twin Counties are making a difference, offering much-needed support to those recovering from the storm.

Photo by Tim Sia