Support Hurricane Helene Relief
As you’re no doubt aware, Hurricane Helene has devastated western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Torrential flooding has demolished homes, businesses, towns, bridges, and roadways.
Towns all across southern Appalachia have been impacted, and many people are trapped without power, internet, phone service, or running water. More than 120 deaths have been confirmed and the number sadly continues to rise.
This area is one of the top motorcycling destinations in America. Our support will make a huge impact during the recovery process.
If you can donate money, supplies, or your time, it will make a difference. Keep reading to learn how you can help.
Riders planning a trip to this area in the coming months may want to reevaluate their travel plans. The devastation is widespread, and the areas will need time to rebuild.
However, when they open back up for business, they will need us more than ever. We will keep you up to date on the region’s conditions as more information becomes available.
Below is a list of organizations that accept donations and volunteers. We will update this list until the rebuilding is finished.
National Organizations
Samaritan’s Purse is currently set up in at least five locations across the region and is looking for donations and volunteers to provide help.
The State of North Carolina has established a Disaster Relief Fund to help with immediate recovery needs.
Many nonprofits are also accepting donations, including the American Red Cross, the United Way of North Carolina, and the Salvation Army.
The fundraising platform GoFundMe has initiated a hurricane relief fund.
Other states need our help too. Florida and Georgia have state disaster funds already set up.
Local Organizations
Operation North State, a nonprofit in Winston-Salem, NC, is hosting a Hurricane Helene Relief Collection Drive at the Bass Pro Shops at Concord Mills located at 8181 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord, NC. The goal is to collect a minimum of 12 tractor-trailer loads of supplies in eight days. The drive runs until October 8. Only new items will be accepted.
Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Efforts is organizing donations.
Haywood Christian Ministry, North Carolina’s largest food pantry, is taking donations.
Local pilots are coming together through Operation Airdrop to deliver supplies to communities in need.
One of our personal friends, Ben Smith, is a local pilot and is making daily flights to deliver supplies. If you'd like to contribute to his fund for fuel or supplies, you can Venmo him directly. It costs ~$350 per day just in fuel for him to deliver supplies via airplane.
There are four University of North Carolina system colleges in Western North Carolina. System leaders shared the following funds, where donations may be sent to support affected students, faculty, and staff:
- Appalachian State University Disaster Relief Fund
- NCSSM-Morganton Helene Recovery Fund
- UNC Asheville giving website (Select “UNC Asheville Fund” designation on the donation form)
- Western Carolina University Emergency Fund
Motorcycle Groups
Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson is conducting a bottled water drive through Tuesday, October 1. You can drop off items or donate money. Contact them directly for more information on how to donate.
Silent Creed MC out of McMinnville, TN, is accepting donations of non-perishable food, water, blankets, and more. To donate, call them at 931-808-3457.
Many other motorcycle dealerships in the affected area are coming together to compile donations. If you are interested in donating to a local dealership, find one on Google and give them a call to ask how you can help.
Making Your Money Count
While any donations are encouraged, you might want to consider donating to smaller organizations like Samaritan's Purse or to local churches, as the donated funds stretch further. Larger organizations do good for disaster relief, of course, but a larger percentage of the funds go toward their annual operations rather than direct aid.
Think about how you want to make an impact and donate accordingly. We hope this page has helped guide your donations in the best way possible.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by Hurricane Helene. To view our most recent updates to this list, read this article online at the button below.