WYFF News 4/ Youtube
CV NEWS FEED // Catholic Charities USA has launched a disaster relief donation campaign to support the victims of Hurricane Helene.
The campaign “will assist those displaced or suffering because of the storm,” Catholic Charities states in a press release. Proceeds will provide food, shelter, and other support to those harmed by the hurricane.
Hurricane Helene was a recent category 4 storm that caused massive destruction in the Southeastern states, displacing thousands and leaving millions of people without power.
According to Catholic News Herald, in North Carolina alone 36 people have died as a result of the storm. The overall death toll from the storm continues to rise. The storm’s destruction to utility illness, roads, and municipal water systems cut off mountain communities from critical emergency aid.
The Diocese of Charlotte and Catholic parishes in North Carolina are working on bringing help to those hurt by the storm. St. Mark Catholic Church in Charlotte is organizing food and diaper drives, and St. James the Greater Parish in Concord is organizing trips with a local airport to retrieve and deliver donated supplies.
A Catholic couple from North Carolina told CatholicVote about the need for recovery aid in the area.
Holly and Greg Carter were prepared for the storm at their mountaintop home in Mills River. They are using their generator for energy and camp and propane stoves to cook for themselves and their neighbors, including a couple staying at a nearby Airbnb. Greg Carter worked to clear trees from roads so neighbors could get in and out of the area.
Holly Carter, who worked at Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte for 14 years until her retirement, knows what it takes to help people recover, noting the devastation from past storms and the unprecedented nature of Helene. She also expressed concern for those who were already facing food insecurity.
“Many children are on public assistance. The basics like food, diapers and clean water are greatly needed,” she told CatholicVote. “Financial donations are also needed as people work to rebuild their lives. I’m one of those people who turns it all over to God. I do what I can do and encourage others to be Christ in everyone else’s life. If someone needs, give. If God has given it to you, share it.”
To donate to support recovery efforts in North Carolina through Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, click here.
