"The damage that has taken place in the southeast, especially in western North Carolina, is immeasurable and unfathomable. Hurricane Helene's devastation has left thousands of families in the dark, without food, without clothes, and without their homes. The rural mountainous areas of western North Carolina are home to some of the most serene and tranquil hilltops this side of the Mississippi River. Unfortunately, after receiving 20 inches of rainfall in less than 24 hours, historically calm rivers became an avenue for uncontrollable floodwater and mudslides with little to no warning.
An Emergency Relief Drive will be held at the North Canaan Town Hall, 100 Pease Street, North Canaan, Connecticut, on Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 9AM to 2PM. This drive-through event will take place in the main town hall parking lot. Various stations will be set up in an oval shape, so that drivers can safely pull over to unload their donated items. Items will be placed into a large box truck and trailer at the end of the event. Once secure, the truck and trailer will head down to an authorized receiving area located northwest of Asheville, North Carolina.
Helping fellow Americans during a time of need is a constant for us. But it also hits closer to home, as many of us here in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut have so many family members and friends who live in the areas that were directly impacted. With Hurricane Milton knocking on Florida's doorstep later this week, we must ensure that western North Carolina isn't forgotten about."
Please consider donating the following:
- Toiletries / Hygiene / First Aid Items
- Bottled Water (Packaged Cases)
- Non-Perishable Food (Pop-Top Preferred)
- Plastic Utensils / Manual Can Openers
- New Socks, Underwear, Shirts
- Bug Spray / Sunscreen
- Baby Formula / Diapers / Bottles
- Cleaning / Sanitation Supplies
- Garbage Bags (Heavy Duty)
- Blankets / Bedding
- Pet Food / Supplies
- Batteries (All Sizes)
Volunteers may sign up to assist during the relief drive. No fuel, hazardous chemicals, or propane.
For more information, or to volunteer, please contact North Canaan First Selectman Brian Ohler at (860) 307-1135, or, via email at selectman@northcanaan.org.
