President Biden has approved Governor Roy Cooper’s request for active-duty military personnel to support rescue and recovery efforts in Western North Carolina, which has been severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. These soldiers, part of an Infantry Battalion Task Force from Fort Liberty, will provide essential services such as food and water delivery and support the ongoing search and rescue operations.
This reinforcement includes up to 1,000 active-duty military personnel in addition to the 1,000 North Carolina National Guard soldiers already deployed, who have completed over 1,400 rescues and delivered 700,000 pounds of supplies. The newly deployed task force, formed from the XVII Airborne Corps, will bring critical resources, including fuel and water, to stabilize the affected areas.
“We are bolstering our massive relief and rescue effort in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and I am grateful for President Biden’s approval of our requests,” said Governor Roy Cooper in a press release. “The North Carolina National Guard is already on the ground working with federal, state, non-profit and local emergency responders around the clock to save lives, deliver critical supplies, and restore communications and utilities.”
Rescue teams, nonprofits, state agencies, and community-led efforts are now asking for everyone’s help to contribute manpower, money, and supplies. Here are ways you can;
#1 Volunteer your time:
– Samaritan’s Purse Volunteer Signup
– Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer Signup
– North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
#2 Donate your money:
– Red Cross
– Salvation Army of The Carolinas
– JAARS
– Samaritan’s Purse
– Baptists on Mission
– Americares Helene Relief Effort
– Community Housing Coalition (CHC) of Madison County
– BeLoved Asheville
– Hope Mill Inc’s Hurricane Relief
#3 Donate supplies:
– Operation Airdrop
– Foster Family Alliance of NC
– Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry
– NC Mountains Emergency Response Facebook Group
Please share additional resources and rescue efforts in the comments below.
