Our hearts are with the communities in Western North Carolina who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. We stand with our fellow Chambers in these affected areas and are committed to supporting them as they navigate the aftermath of the storm.
Our business community is asking how they can help businesses and communities impacted. In an effort to connect you with vetted relief efforts and fundraisers supporting residents and businesses, we will share updates on this page.
Information found on this page has been provided by the Carolina’s Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) as well as the Chamber of Catawba County’s website.
Please note, information is subject to change.
Fundraisers / Updates from Chambers of Commerce:
Avery County Chamber
Avery County Young Professionals have set up a GoFundMe page.
Specific needs from the Avery County Chamber – If you can help, please contact David Jackson with the Boone Area Chamber at david@boonechamber.com or his cell at 828-964-6404. Until they can get trucks in, they will be ferrying supplies in for them.
Needs as of 10/4/24:
- Air mattresses and pumps
- Camping equipment
- Warm clothing
- Cooking oil, Canola, etc.
- Small propane cannisters and camp stoves
- Sleeping bags
- Blankets
- Socks
- Anti-fungal spray
- Boot dryers
- 12 gauge or higher extension cord for generators
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh produce for feeding Avery Families
- Protein shakes, drinks, and bars
- Powdered milk and cereal
- Muck boots
- Note pads and file folders
- Totes
Boone Area Chamber of Commerce:
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is accepting donations to help with community and business relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s impact on the High Country. Gifts can be made at this link and The Chamber will distribute funds locally to businesses and community efforts as needs are further assessed throughout Watauga County over the days and weeks ahead.
McDowell Chamber of Commerce:
The McDowell Chamber of Commerce and McDowell Chamber Community & Business Impact, Inc are non-profit organizations supporting this cause. Donations will support those affected by the storm, providing critical relief such as shelter, medical care, food, water, and rebuilding efforts in the hardest-hit communities in McDowell County. Donate here.
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce:
Donations will provide financial assistance for businesses in Asheville and Buncombe County. These can be made through PayPal to payments@ashevillechamber.org. Please note that the funds are for Hurricane Relief. These donations are tax deductible. The address for checks is Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1010, Asheville, NC 28802. Please note: Hurricane Relief on check.
Chamber of Catawba County:
The Chamber of Catawba County has set up a pop-up co-working space at their offices in Hickory. If you know of a business nearby that is in need of a productive place to work this week with wireless internet access, contact their team at 828-328-6111.. Access is during regular business hours (8:30-5:00 pm); space based on availability. Contact their office for more information.
Other Resources / Relief Efforts:
US Chamber:
The US Chamber has resources for small businesses here. If you know of a business owner in an impacted area in need of support, this is a great resource to share with them. This link will provide access to checklists on reopening a business after a disaster, learn how to apply for Federal Loans and Financial Assistance, access Mental Health resources, Insurance help, and Employee Assistance Programs.
State of North Carolina:
Donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund here.
American Red Cross North Carolina:
To Make a financial donation, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) or text HELENE to 90999. Visit here to donate.
The Salvation Army of the Carolinas:
Donate to the Salvation Army Hurricane Helene Relief here.
United Way of North Carolina;
Donate to the UW Helps NC Helene Recovery Fund here.
Samaritan’s Purse:
Donate to the Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts here.
For other relief efforts, visit our Facebook page and view our recent Hurricane Helene post. We encourage you to post of any other efforts, supply drives or resources in the comments and share to your networks. Chamber Investors can also use their Member Information Center’s to share information on other local efforts.