September 29, 2024

Together, We Can Bring Hope and Relief to Western NC After Tropical Storm Helene

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I am reaching out to you today with both a heavy heart and immense hope and determination. Like you, I have been deeply saddened by the devastation Tropical Storm Helene caused to our beloved Western NC communities. Entire neighborhoods have been swept away by catastrophic flooding, and countless families have lost everything. The scale of this disaster is difficult to grasp, and while the full impact is still being evaluated, one thing is undeniable: the need for swift and ongoing relief is urgent.

As food and shelter support begins to flow into the region, hygiene products are often overlooked in disaster relief efforts. Diapers, in particular, are not provided through traditional disaster response programs, but the Diaper Bank of NC is here to fill that gap. Right now, the need for these supplies is greater than ever. Families across Western NC are not only grappling with the loss of their homes and possessions but also with the challenge of accessing basic essentials to care for their loved ones. Diapers, period products, adult incontinence supplies, and formula are all in critically short supply.

We are stepping up to help, and we hope you, our incredible community of supporters, will stand with us in this time of urgent need.

How We’re Responding

We are mobilizing our resources to send essential supplies to families across the region. In the coming days and weeks, we will be distributing:

-Diapers for infants and toddlers, ensuring babies stay healthy and dry.

- Period products for menstruating individuals so that no one must go without dignity during this crisis.

- Adult incontinence supplies for our seniors and those with disabilities, who are often among the most vulnerable during emergencies.

- Formula for infants to ensure that even the youngest members of our community are nourished during this time of uncertainty.

But our response will not end when the floodwaters recede. Recovery from a disaster of this magnitude takes time. The families in Western NC will need our support well beyond the initial emergency response. We are committed to standing with these communities for the long haul, ensuring they have access to these vital supplies as they rebuild their lives.

How You Can Help

We are calling on you, our dedicated supporters, to join us in this critical effort. Here’s how you can make a difference:

1. Donate: Your financial support allows us to procure and distribute essential supplies quickly and efficiently. Every dollar you give will go directly toward helping families affected by this disaster. Donate here.

2. Host a Drive: Organize a collection of diapers, period products, and formula in your community. Whether it’s through your workplace, neighborhood, or faith community, your efforts will provide much-needed relief.

3. Spread the Word: Raise awareness on social media and in your networks. The more people who know about the needs in Western NC, the more support we can gather.

4. Commit to Long-Term Support: We are in this for the long run, and we need sustained help to continue providing these essential items over the coming months. Consider becoming a monthly donor to ensure we can meet ongoing needs in the region.

We have always believed in the power of community to lift each other up in times of hardship. Together, we can bring dignity, hope, and relief to the families of Western North Carolina.

Thank you for your compassion, your generosity, and your commitment to helping those in need. With your support, we can and will make a lasting impact.

With gratitude and determination,

Michelle Schaefer-Old

Chief Executive Officer

Diaper Bank of North Carolina