In the aftermath of Helene, the Survival Garden Seeds team has been brainstorming about ways we can help. The need to do something positive in the face of such devastation is powerful, but we know from experience that it’s important to be thoughtful about the ways we choose to help. Our goal is to provide genuine aid where it’s needed most without adding to an already overwhelming, chaotic situation. As a company, we’re reaching out to our network and finding opportunities that make sense, and we’re also doing the same as individuals. We want to share some of the results of our brainstorming with you, too, so you can be a part of the greater effort.
Avoiding Scams
Before you give any money or goods to anyone, find their official channels of communication to make sure your money is going to the right place. Sometimes that’s a website or a social media page, and sometimes these organizations have ways that allow them to access the money you send them quickly. Although cash apps (like Venmo and PayPal) are quick and convenient, they’re also an easy way for scammers to fool people. Scammers have been creating copycat accounts with similar names to known rescue efforts, or they’ll claim to be providing relief and just pocketing the money themselves. Do your homework!
Volunteering
If you’re interested in being a bit more hands-on and volunteering instead of donating money or goods, that sort of help is very important and needed. Make sure you have a plan in place before you go–you don’t want to contribute to the problem by not coming prepared. Find out about your destination and even coordinate with the people you know to load up donations before you head out. Plot your path ahead of time, making sure there’s an open path and planning any alternate routes just in case. Work with an organization in the area that can plug you into the efforts. In addition to any donations, pack enough supplies for yourself and anyone traveling with you. You may have to rough it for a while if amenities are limited. You’ll want to take a change of clothes, your medicines, food, and a sleeping bag. Make sure to gas up your vehicle, too! You do not want to get stranded.
Organizations Doing Good Work
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, there’s also the issue of where to donate or volunteer. There’s so much need and so many groups working together that it can lead to indecision and paralysis. It’s understandable; the need is great right now and you want to make sure that the groups use donations responsibly and thoughtfully. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve put together a small, manageable list of organizations that individual team members have seen providing practical support where it is needed most, right now. Many of these groups have a volunteer signup as well as a donation link.
World Central Kitchen: Food and water is an immediate need. World Central Kitchen mobilizes chefs and volunteers on the ground in crisis areas. They are currently responding in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee to serve communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Donate to their Hurricane Helene relief effort here.
Mountain Mule Packers: Pack animal supply trains can get food and supplies to places where vehicles just can’t reach right now. To donate to their work, you can give to Michele Toberer’s Venmo account. We encourage you to check out the official Mountain Mule Packers Facebook page so you can see the work they’re doing for yourself.
Cajun Navy 2016: This group was founded in August 2005 after severe flooding from Hurricane Katrina. Neighbors started helping neighbors, and the Cajun Navy was formed. They’re best known for water rescue and hurricane relief efforts. They’re working directly with Mountain Mule Packers to get help to those areas that are difficult to reach. Here’s a link to the Cajun Navy 2016 Facebook account, their donation page, and their Amazon wishlist.
Operation Airdrop: Founded in the wake of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, this Texas-based non-profit specializes in post-Atlantic hurricane flooding recovery. Head to their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on urgently needed donation items and where to send them.
Hurricane Helene Airlift Relief: This grassroots effort was created on September 28, with locals immediately jumping to action in the western North Carolina area. Small aviation and helicopter pilots are airlifting relief and volunteers are helping organize donation efforts. To find out the latest, visit the Hurricane Helene Airlift Relief Facebook page, which is constantly being updated with the newest information and ways to contribute.
Humanitarian Aid Fund: In addition to the grassroots efforts above, larger organizations like LDS Humanitarian Services have the advantage of being able to mobilize resources quickly and are already active in the affected areas. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides aid without regard to cultural or religious affiliation, and they have already mobilized in the southeastern US in response to Helene. Here’s the link to the disaster relief portion of the Humanitarian Aid Fund.
Samaritan’s Purse: Another large faith-based organization, Samaritan’s Purse has a strong track record of providing direct, on-the-ground aid during disasters. They aspire to follow the example of Christ’s parable of the Good Samaritan, going to the aid of the world’s poor, sick, and suffering. They are accepting donations and recruiting volunteers on their website.
If you’ve been feeling hopeless and overwhelmed, we hope that this list inspires you. Check any of these groups out, and if their mission and work resonate with you, plug in and help! If none of the organizations is quite right, there are plenty of others to reach out to. Just start searching and pitch in. There’s plenty of work to do, and it’s just getting started.
