ChicoSTART’s Post

One thing about #Appalachians, we'll pull together and help our neighbors. Thanks to Appalachian Voices and the North Carolina Community Foundation for sharing these ways to help after Helene's historic flooding. If you're far away you can always give (see below). If you're going on ground to help, remember that flood waters can be dangerous to you, too (be safe). Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Appalachian Helene Response Fund: https://bit.ly/3NcYRmB To support ongoing recovery needs, give to The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s Emergency and Disaster Response Fund: https://lnkd.in/ervD-NAA.    To support long-term recovery, donate to the North Carolina Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund: https://lnkd.in/eenYHRHg You can find additional information about the NCCF Disaster Relief Fund and other efforts by visiting our website at https://lnkd.in/edNZmJQm. You can find more ways to give, including where to bring direct donations if you live near an impacted area, at this site being coordinated by Appalachian Voices: https://lnkd.in/e87iUSue If you are missing loved ones, looking for shelter, or other resources, this google document is working to compile emergency relief options across the region: https://lnkd.in/g3mbDHdf

In the wake of recent natural disasters affecting Western North Carolina, the community is in urgent need of support. Families have lost homes, livelihoods, and basic necessities, and recovery will take time. Several local organizations are on the front lines of disaster relief, providing food, shelter, and medical care. If you’re looking for ways to help, consider donating to these trusted groups: 1. NC Disaster Relief Fund: Assists in rebuilding homes and providing immediate aid to affected communities. 2. Red Cross of Western North Carolina: Provides shelter, emergency supplies, and emotional support. 3. Mountain True: Works to restore and preserve the natural beauty and resources of the region, especially in the aftermath of storms. #WNCStrong #DisasterRelief #SupportLocal

Thank you to all the food retailers for your incredible generosity and quick response in the face of this devastating flooding. Let's continue to support and care for one another during these challenging times. SPAR South Africa Pick n Pay The Shoprite Group of Companies Woolworths #retailors #Foodsafety #care #kindness #foodsafety #managementsystem #compliance #inspections #worldfoodsafetyday #foodsafetyandhygiene #saferfood #health  #wfsd #foodsafetyculture #foodsafetyfirst #culturechange #worldfoodsafetyday #fooddefense #foodsafetyculture #haccp #petrochemicalretail  #supermarkets #foodhygiene #foodhandling #foodprep #foodborneillness #retailers #retailmanagement #iso22000 #retailers #leader #foodsafety #foodandbeverageindustry #foodbusiness #foodfraud #conveniencestores #foodsafety #foodsafetyleader #retail #procurementmanager #procurement #food #safetyculture #microbiology #consumerprotection #consumerlaw #consumerbehavior #labelling #foodlegislation #regulationR638 #foodregulations #foodlabels #foodsafety #testing #microbiology #swabs #microtesting #development #compliance #inspections #auditors #foodsafety #inspections #foodsafetystandards #managementsystems #bestpractices #legislation #foodsafetyaudits #hygiene #safety #foodretail #qsr , #hospitality #catering #petroleum #auditing #R638 #SANS10049 #foodsafetyprogramme #GFSI

HOW CAN I DONATE? For short-term and long-term relief and aid. 🚫Do NOT collect donations of clothes or furniture. There's nowhere to process or manage those donations and sending them now could interrupt critical response efforts. Learn more from FEMA and National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. 👍Cash donations are best. Look for local mutual aid, voluntary organizations, or philanthropies who are setting up disaster relief funds both for immediate needs and for medium/long-term recovery. 🟣Blue Ridge Public Radio has a comprehensive list: https://lnkd.in/eHhbUW6J 🟣The state has activated the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund: Click the red banner at the top of the page at NC.gov or https://lnkd.in/eeWj-4CM. 🟣NC Community Foundation: "The North Carolina Community Foundation is also accepting donations for its Disaster Relief Fund. We will be creating a page on our website of local and regional relief funds, so please send information about your efforts to Amy Dominello Braun, our Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, at [email protected]. 🟣If you do want to collect supplies, make cleanup kits ("flood buckets"), with these items: https://lnkd.in/gUt94D3M. 🟣Contact NC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster at [email protected] or make an offer on https://lnkd.in/e6pY9CBW. 🟣 Coordinate movement of supplies with the state Business Emergency Operations Center to ensure you have access. You can email your supply logistics or movement requests to [email protected], Begin Subject Line with Logistics Support. Please include the following info: · What are you moving? Why you need special access. · When do you plan to move and from where? · Where are you going? · When will they arrive at the "border to Western NC" and where? Source: NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network #HurricaneHeleneRelief #WesternNC #GuilfordCounty #GuilfordCountyPartnershipforChildren #GCPC

I am honored to share that I have been appointed by Governor Roy Cooper to the North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Public Service as the military/veteran representative. It’s a privilege to be part of such an impactful organization, especially during challenging times like these. 📋 **About the NC Commission** The NC Commission on Volunteerism and Public Service is responsible for a variety of critical initiatives, including disaster services. We manage disaster volunteers and donations and support NC Emergency Management (NCEM) during activations. Additionally, the Commission recruits and trains Community Emergency Response (CERT) groups and hosts disaster preparedness trainings to ensure communities are ready when emergencies arise. 🚨 **Supporting Western NC after Hurricane Helene** 🚨 As many of you know, Hurricane Helene has devastated western North Carolina. In response, the Commission has launched the **Disaster Relief Fund**, and it needs your support to help those affected. Please consider donating at [https://lnkd.in/e2T632uC). 💡 **How You Can Help:** 1️⃣ The best way to support relief efforts right now is through monetary donations to the Disaster Relief Fund. This fund provides critical resources to local organizations, such as NCVOADS, that are directly involved in long-term recovery efforts. 2️⃣ Please **do NOT** send physical donations, spontaneously volunteer, deliver home-cooked meals, or visit the affected areas. Roads are impassable, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Although it’s wonderful to see the desire to help, the current priority is to keep roads clear and ensure safety. 🛠️ **Interested in Volunteering?** - Sign up at [Volunteernc.gov](https://volunteernc.gov) to join our volunteer list. When volunteers are needed, the Commission will reach out with specific instructions based on the type of work required. - Visit [NCVOAD.org](https://ncvoad.org) to affiliate with a volunteer organization. - Check county websites or Facebook pages for updates on volunteer needs before heading into the affected areas. Please spread the word and share this message widely. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the recovery efforts in western North Carolina. #NCCommissionOnVolunteerism #DisasterRelief #HurricaneHelene #NCStrong #CommunitySupport

#HurricaneHelene has brought devastating flooding to many communities across North Carolina, especially in the western regions. Towns that once thrived are now dealing with inaccessible roads, power outages, and damaged businesses. At Catapult, we are committed to standing by our members and local businesses as they navigate the challenges of rebuilding and recovery. If you’re looking for ways to help, here are some vital actions: 🤝 Donate to Local Relief Funds: Organizations like the United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County, the MANNA FoodBank - Asheville NC, the North Carolina Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, and the American Red Cross. Every contribution helps! 📢 Volunteer Your Time: If you’re in a position to assist, local shelters and recovery efforts are looking for volunteers. Check out Operation Airdrop Inc and the Durham Rescue Mission! 💸 Support Local Businesses: Many businesses are facing severe disruptions. Consider supporting them by shopping locally or offering your professional services to help them get back on their feet. 💭 Spread the Word: Share helpful resources and support opportunities across your networks to amplify the call for help. Together, we can rebuild, recover, and show what it means to be a strong community. 💪 Stay safe, and thank you to everyone lending a hand! #LetsCatapult #HurricaneRelief #CommunitySupport #NorthCarolinaStrong #CatapultCares

#HurricaneHelene has brought devastating flooding to many communities across North Carolina, especially in the western regions. Towns that once thrived are now dealing with inaccessible roads, power outages, and damaged businesses. At Catapult, we are committed to standing by our members and local businesses as they navigate the challenges of rebuilding and recovery. If you’re looking for ways to help, here are some vital actions: 🤝 Donate to Local Relief Funds: Organizations like the United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County, the MANNA FoodBank - Asheville NC, the North Carolina Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, and the American Red Cross. Every contribution helps! 📢 Volunteer Your Time: If you’re in a position to assist, local shelters and recovery efforts are looking for volunteers. Check out Operation Airdrop Inc and the Durham Rescue Mission! 💸 Support Local Businesses: Many businesses are facing severe disruptions. Consider supporting them by shopping locally or offering your professional services to help them get back on their feet. 💭 Spread the Word: Share helpful resources and support opportunities across your networks to amplify the call for help. Together, we can rebuild, recover, and show what it means to be a strong community. 💪 Stay safe, and thank you to everyone lending a hand! #LetsCatapult #HurricaneRelief #CommunitySupport #NorthCarolinaStrong #CatapultCares

#HurricaneHelene has brought devastating flooding to many communities across North Carolina, especially in the western regions. Towns that once thrived are now dealing with inaccessible roads, power outages, and damaged businesses. At Catapult, we are committed to standing by our members and local businesses as they navigate the challenges of rebuilding and recovery. If you’re looking for ways to help, here are some vital actions: 🤝 Donate to Local Relief Funds: Organizations like the United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County, the MANNA FoodBank - Asheville NC, the North Carolina Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, and the American Red Cross. Every contribution helps! 📢 Volunteer Your Time: If you’re in a position to assist, local shelters and recovery efforts are looking for volunteers. Check out Operation Airdrop Inc and the Durham Rescue Mission! 💸 Support Local Businesses: Many businesses are facing severe disruptions. Consider supporting them by shopping locally or offering your professional services to help them get back on their feet. 💭 Spread the Word: Share helpful resources and support opportunities across your networks to amplify the call for help. Together, we can rebuild, recover, and show what it means to be a strong community. 💪 Stay safe, and thank you to everyone lending a hand! #LetsCatapult #HurricaneRelief #CommunitySupport #NorthCarolinaStrong #CatapultCares

Urgent Call to Action: Support Thame Village After Devastating Flooding and Landslides On Friday, August 16th, a rare climatic event unleashed catastrophic flooding and landslides on Thame village, leaving over half of the community in ruins. Homes have been destroyed, lives disrupted, and the people of Thame are facing unimaginable challenges. The disaster has also put downstream settlements near the Dhudhkoshi River on high alert, amplifying the urgency of the situation. We are calling on you to stand with Thame in this moment of crisis. Working with Elite Exped teams, your donation to the Nimsdai Foundations Disaster relief fund will provide critical relief—shelter, food, clean water, medical supplies, and rebuilding efforts—to those who have lost everything. Every contribution counts. Whether large or small, your support can make a life-changing difference for the families of Thame and surrounding areas. Let’s come together to help these communities recover and rebuild. Donate now More information about Nimsdai Foundation: The Nimsdai Foundation exists to change lives by supporting people and projects that redefine what is possible. https://lnkd.in/gBy7k52D #thame #everest #donation #rebuild #flooding #globalwarming #naturaldisaster #landslides #nepal #nimsdaifoundation

Urgent Call to Action: Support Thame Village After Devastating Flooding and Landslides On Friday, August 16th, a rare climatic event unleashed catastrophic flooding and landslides on Thame village, leaving over half of the community in ruins. Homes have been destroyed, lives disrupted, and the people of Thame are facing unimaginable challenges. The disaster has also put downstream settlements near the Dhudhkoshi River on high alert, amplifying the urgency of the situation. We are calling on you to stand with Thame in this moment of crisis. Working with Elite Exped teams, your donation to the Nimsdai Foundations Disaster relief fund will provide critical relief—shelter, food, clean water, medical supplies, and rebuilding efforts—to those who have lost everything. Every contribution counts. Whether large or small, your support can make a life-changing difference for the families of Thame and surrounding areas. Let’s come together to help these communities recover and rebuild. Donate now More information about Nimsdai Foundation: The Nimsdai Foundation exists to change lives by supporting people and projects that redefine what is possible. https://lnkd.in/gBy7k52D #thame #everest #donation #rebuild #flooding #globalwarming #naturaldisaster #landslides #nepal #nimsdaifoundation