As our neighbors in Southwest Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee have been devastated by Helene, a local Concord-based disaster relief nonprofit, Gleaning For The World, is gearing up to provide supplies and hope for residents affected by this powerful storm.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida, then rapidly moved up the coast to Virginia, leaving behind a path of destruction and devastation. Many small cities and towns in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee have been cut off, their infrastructure destroyed, and people are desperate for help. Multiple cities, towns, and counties in Southwestern Virginia are also picking up the pieces. As of this morning, the confirmed death toll for Helene was about 100 people, but over 1,000 people have been reported missing.  
 
Gleaning For The World is known for responding to natural and man-made disasters. With 26 years of disaster relief experience behind them, they have many partners throughout Florida and the Southeastern United States with whom they’ve worked together to deliver and distribute supplies like bottled water, nonperishable foods, hygiene items, baby diapers, and formula, as well as clean-up supplies (e.g., bleach, large trash bags, gloves) and pet foods.
 
Due to our local community’s response and the overwhelming numbers of people in need of help, Gleaning For The World has announced it will extend the donation collection of the above-mentioned items at Sam’s Club on Wards Road in Lynchburg on Wednesday, October 3rd, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
 
“The level of destruction our neighbors in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Southwest Virginia are facing is historic. Infrastructure, and in some cases, whole towns have been wiped out.” Gleaning’s president Jeane Smiley-Mason said. “We are so very grateful to our local community for their support, enabling Gleaning to answer the call to help individuals and families impacted by Helene. The generosity we have seen in our local communities to help others in need has been truly inspirational. “
 
For those interested in making a financial donation, which helps cover the costs of hauling these supplies to Florida, a secure donation page for this effort can be found at https://ddock.co/PIRVBYHI4X. Alternatively, a check (with “Helene” in the memo line) can be mailed to GFTW PO Box 645 Concord, VA 24538.
 
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