Last Updated 10/30/2024

At this time we are pausing donations of physical items. We encourage you to make a monetary donation below. Check back often for updates and for information on when we will be sending teams to help!

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, many western NC communities are facing immense challenges as they begin the recovery process. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected. We are staying in communication with the Western NC Conference Disaster Response Ministry to coordinate serve opportunities and we will provide more details as they become available. Subscribe to our Serve Chain (if you are not already subscribed) to stay in the loop

Christ Greensboro will be hosting Emergency Response Training on November 16 from 9 AM - 4 PM in the Parlor/Disciple Room. The cost for the training is $30, which you pay as part of the registration. There is a link within the registration to fill out a background check through UMCOR. The cost for that is $10, which you pay through the background link. These are helpful details as you are filling out your registration: Do the background check first and then come back to register, otherwise it erases what you have filled out so far. Note that we are part of the Northern Piedmont District of the Western North Carolina Conference. You will also need a photo of yourself to attach and payment ready for the registration and background check. Register for the training below as well as a link for the Hurricane Relief Team interest form. *****We are required to have 1 Emergency Response Trained person for every non Emergency Response Trained person

Here are several immediate ways you can contribute to the relief efforts:

  • Pray for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

  • Monetary Donations: Financial contributions allow for flexibility in addressing immediate needs. Consider giving so we can provide emergency assistance, food, shelter, and long-term recovery plans. There are several ways you can give financially, they are listed below;

    • UMCOR - Donations made to UMCOR go towards the US Disaster Response teams of the United Methodist Church.

    • UMCOR Cleaning Kits - Sponsor a cleaning kit to replenish those kits being used.

    • Western NC Conference - “Helene Flood Response (The Connection) The Western North Carolina Conference announces that our Council on Finance and Administration and Board of Pensions and Health Benefits have each voted to contribute $1 Million, for a total of $2 Million, toward the Relief and Recovery of Churches and Communities in Western North Carolina. Every local church in the Western North Carolina Conference is also being asked to receive an offering this Sunday (October 6) toward this effort. These funds will be distributed to local churches for their sustainability (many churches are unable to take up offerings, many people are out of work or unaccounted for); to support the mission which many of our anchoring churches do in these communities; and to help cover insurance deductibles where there is structural damage to churches. The distribution of funds is collaborative work between our Disaster Response Team, our District Superintendents and our Treasurer. We estimate that more than half of the 44 counties in our annual conference have been affected. We want you to know that we see you, we are praying for you, and you will not be in this alone. Your well-being and recovery is the mission. My deep, deep thanks for the ways many of our local churches are already being used by God in the areas of greatest need. Bishop Ken Carter”

  • Volunteer Your Time: If you can, join local relief efforts or volunteer with organizations providing on-the-ground support. Your time and skills can help in various capacities, from distributing supplies to providing emotional support.

Early Response Team Training: ERT Classes help participants understand how United Methodists are involved during a disaster, how we get prepared for a disaster, and what we can do when a disaster strikes. WNCC ERT Training Signup

WNCC Disaster Response Ministry: Stay up to date on the Western NC Conference Disaster Response Ministry. WNCC Disaster Ministries

  • Donated Items: If you would like to donate items for those in need the list below are the supplies needed most.

    • Water

    • Non-perishable food (Food that does not have to be cooked and cans with pop-tops are preferred)

    • Manual can openers

    • Paper products (plates, napkins, cups, plasticware)

    • Diapers (adult and baby)

    • Baby formula (ready-made formula is preferred)

    • Ensure supplemental drinks

    • Feminine hygiene products

    • First aid supplies, including over-the-counter medications (i.e. Tylenol, Benadryl, Imodium)

    • Gas cans

      Other Needs:

    • propane heaters

    • 1 lb and 20 lb propane tanks

    • hoses to connect heaters to 20 lb tanks

    • carbon monoxide detectors 

    • small bottles of cooking oil Ideally in cases

    • boxed milk that does not need refrigeration 

      As the needs grow and change, the next step is to help folks get back into their homes. West Jefferson UMC is requesting the following:

    • Bed frames (available at Walmart)  

    • Single Mattresses ( I suggest we purchase these online and have them delivered to West Jefferson.  She will find out where to send them.)  

    • Boards to fit on the bed frames under the mattress

    • Sheets

    • Mattress Covers

    • Blankets

    • Quilts

    • Comforters for children

    • Pillows

    • Pillow cases  

      These items can be dropped off at the Missions Cafe on Sunday morning or dropped off at the tent on the Front Lawn of our church.

  • Spread the Word: Raise awareness about the ongoing situation and share credible information on how others can help. Social media can be a powerful tool for mobilizing support and encouraging community involvement.

  • Support Local Businesses: Consider buying products or services from local businesses impacted by the storm as they work to recover and rebuild.

Each action, no matter how small, contributes to the larger effort of healing and rebuilding. Together, we can stand with those affected and help them emerge stronger. Thank you for your compassion and commitment to making a difference.

If you are missing a loved one in TN, NC, SC, GA or FL, or if you need assistance due to impacts from Helene, you can contact the numbers below:

TN: (800)824-3463 or (800)TBI-FIND

NC: 211 or if you are out of state (888)892-1162

SC Hurricane Helene Assistance Line: (866)246-0133

GA Disaster Assistance: (800)621-3362

FL State Assistance Information Line: (800)342-3557

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: (800)THE-LOST or (800)843-5678

Red Cross: (800)RED-CROSS or (800)733-2767

FEMA Hotline: (800)621-3362