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Stanly County saw its share of downed trees and power outages due to Tropical Storm Helene last week.
But it is nothing compared to what happened in other parts of the Southeast, including Asheville, Boone and other parts of Western North Carolina.
Several local agencies have already stepped up to help those in need to Stanly’s west.
Stanly County Sheriff’s Office and Stanly County EMS have sent deputies and staff to the western part of the state to “work around the clock helping communities in desperate need,” the Sheriff’s Office posted to its Facebook page as it asked for donations.
The Sheriff’s Office will accept donations 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday at 223 S. Second St., Albemarle.
Items needed include diapers, wipes and formula for babies, as well as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, sealed water, shelf stable food, pop top canned food and shampoo.
“We continue to pray for the families affected as well as the volunteers who are sacrificing their time, safety and resources to provide as much assistance as possible,” Sheriff Jeff Crisco said. “I am immensely proud of the continued, overwhelming support by citizens of our county and could not be more proud to be part of Stanly County.”
Locust Police Department had already filled a truck full of donations from residents by Sunday afternoon.
“We’ve gotten a huge amount of support and donations including the Locust Wal-Mart donating items,” Locust Police Chief Jeff Shew said. “They left with the first trailer full on Sunday around 4 p.m. headed to the Burnsville Fire Department in Yancey County. Because the response has been so tremendous, the plan is to continue making trips as long as the donations are continuing. Officer Eric Fore spearheaded the entire project from the initial idea, to the prep, planning, and networking, and he led the trailer up there on Sunday. He said he woke up on Saturday morning with an overwhelming feeling of wanting to help however he could. He just asked the department admin for our blessing and support which we gladly gave. Other Locust officers then stepped up to help with prepping and loading the trailer.
“I’m extremely blessed and proud to work with a department full of big hearted and selfless officers,” Shew added.
Anyone who wishes to contribute can bring items to the Locust Government Center. If after hours, donations can placed by the door and officers will bring them inside.
Gray Stone Day School is partnering with Gold Hill Fire Department to collect items through Friday. Some of the items needed include sports drinks, baby wipes, diapers, formula, bug spray, sunscreen, plastic utensils, trash bags, cleaning suppies, toothbrushes, toothpaste, pet food, hand sanitizer, toiletries and non-perishable food. Cash donations and gift cards are also accepted, with dropoff at Mrs. Hege’s Classroom.
Gov. Roy Cooper is also encouraging donations to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to help communities recovering from damage from Helene.
“There is a massive effort underway to get help to the people of Western North Carolina including state and federal relief but we know there will be additional needs,” Cooper said. “If you’re able to give, please consider a donation to help North Carolinians as they clean up and recover from Helene.”
To donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate.
Donations can be mailed to: NC Disaster Relief Fund, 20312 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-0312, or to NC Disaster Relief Fund, c/o United Way of NC, 1130 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 100, Cary NC 27511.
Donations will be sent to nonprofits working to help the needs of storm victims, such as food and water, cleaning supplies and other emergency supplies.
“United Way of North Carolina is proud to partner with the Governor’s Office to manage the NC Disaster Relief Fund. We recognize the critical importance of delivering resources to communities for effective relief efforts. Together with the Governor’s Office, we are committed to ensuring that communities in western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene receive the support they need. This unprecedented situation calls for collective action to provide both immediate relief and long-term recovery assistance,” said Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, president and CEO of United Way of North Carolina.

B.J. Drye is general manager/editor of The Stanly News & Press. Call 704-982-2123.