RALEIGH – People from all walks of life are reaching out, seeking ways to assist victims and communities devastated by Hurricane Matthew in North Carolina.
Those wishing to help should make donations to well-established, charitable organizations assisting the disaster relief effort. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through area businesses which supports economic recovery in the disaster area.
Unlike material donations, financial contributions entail no additional costs.
On Tuesday, Governor McCrory activated the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund for Hurricane Matthew to support long-term recovery efforts in partnership with the United Way of North Carolina. People or organizations who want to help can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.
In addition to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, donors can support members of the North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NCVOAD) that are helping people affected by Hurricane Matthew. Visit ncvoad.org for a list of member organizations actively assisting survivors.
While donated resources are vital to meet the needs of victims, managing those donations is necessary to control the flow of goods and services into the disaster areas. Uncontrolled shipments of donated goods could potentially place an undue burden on disaster operations and compete for scarce resources, such as warehouse space and manpower for unloading and distribution. Because of this, it is important to coordinate your giving and volunteering through established relief organizations.
North Carolina state government does not directly receive, nor accept, cash or other donations.
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