Many high schools in North Carolina are putting together efforts to help the victims of flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina.

Some schools are planning supply drives, others are raising money for organizations who are directly involved in relief efforts.

HighSchoolOT is collecting a list of events where you can help make a difference for those impacted by the flooding. If you are a representative of a school and would like us to include your plans on this page, please email [email protected].

If you would like to donate money online, you can make donations to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund at nc.gov/donate.

Most locations collecting goods are accepting powdered drink mixes for hydration, baby supplies, bug spray and sunscreen, plastic utensils, manual can openers, trash bags, non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, plastic sheeting and tarps, toothbrushes and toothpaste, toiletries, pet food, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, heavy duty work gloves, and new/unopened socks.

Some locations are accepting bottled water, however some cannot accept bottled water due to weight. Used clothes, hazardous materials, most chemicals (including bleach), fuel, and flammable items cannot be accepted.

For specific information, contact the hosts of the site you are donating at.

High schools helping flood victims

• Athens Drive High School: The lacrosse team is spearheading an effort to collect donations for affected areas. The team will direct donations to lacrosse teams at schools affected and allow them to distribute the aid to their communities. Final details are being arranged and will be shared soon.
• Bladen County Schools: The entire district is organizing a “Sock-tober Drive” to collect new, unopened socks of all sizes to help families as colder weather approaches. Donations can be made at any Bladen County School through Oct. 18.
• Corvian Community School & Community School of Davidson: Encouraging people to donate goods at the Evolution Aquatic & Activity Center (11202 Harris Rd in Huntersville) through 10 AM on Thursday. All items will be given to Operation Air Drop to provide to victims of Hurricane Helene. Bottled water cannot be accepted due to weight.
• Davidson Day School: Collecting water, non-perishable foods, and diapers during carpool on the morning of Sept. 30
• Davie County High School: Collecting donations at its home football game on Oct. 4. Donations will be delivered to Watauga County. Needed itmes include powdered drink packets, baby wipes, diapers, baby formula, bug spray, sunscreen, plastic utensils, manual can openers, trash bags, non-perishable foods, house cleaning and disinfecting supplies, plastic sheeting and tarps, toothbrushes and toothpaste, travel size toiletries, sanitation items, feminine hygiene products, work gloves, unopened socks, and pet food.
• East Bladen High School: Collecting donations at its home football game on Oct. 4 from 6:30-9:30 PM. Items needed include bug spray, sunscreen, trash bags, cleaning supplies, canned goods, and tarps.
• East Lincoln High School: Collecting donations at the new gym on Monday & Tuesday from 3:15 PM until 6:30 PM. For questions, reach out to [email protected].
• Forbush High School: Bins are setup in the A lobby at the school to collect donations for western NC.
• Glenn High School: Collecting items to deliver to Mitchell High School at this week’s football game against West Forsyth on Oct. 4. Water, canned food, diapers, baby formula, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, other hygiene products, and non-perishable food items are accepted. Items can be dropped off at the main office if you cannot make it to the football game.
• Green Level High School: Collecting donations at its home football game on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Items needed include bottled water, canned food, baby supplies, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, etc.
• Independence High School: Collecting numerous essential items to distribute to affected areas (see list above). Items can be dropped off at the school Monday-Wednesday from 7:00 AM until 2:00 PM. For more information, call (980) 343-6900.
• Lake Norman High School: Collecting items in the front office and at both home games the week of Oct. 1. Items needed include water, baby items, toiletries, pet food, sanitizing wipes, and non-perishable foods.
• Lakewood High School: Collecting needed items for flood victims, such as water, non-perishable food items, pet food, toiletries, trash bags, baby formula, diapers, and more during its football game on Sept. 30. Items can be dropped off at the concession stand. Items can also be taken to Salemburg Baptist Church or Warren Service Station in Salemburg.
• North Duplin High School: Collecting donations at the school during Friday’s home football game against Bear Grass Charter. All items listed above are needed, and bottled water is accepted.
• North Forsyth High School: Bring 5 non-perishable food items for free admission to all North Forsyth athletic events the week of Sept. 30. Items can be dropped off at the North Forsyth Welcome Center.
• Orange High School: Donations can be made at the school, just mention supplies are for WNC relief when dropping off.
• Parkwood High School: FCA is collecting bottled water, protein bars, baby formula, powdered sports drinks, and diapers.
• South Mecklenburg High School: School is collecting donations in front of the football stadium on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 3:00-8:00 PM. Accepted items include powdered packets for sports drinks and hydration, baby wipes and diapers, bug spray and sunscreen, baby formula, plastic utensils, manual can openers, trash bags, non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, plastic sheeting and tarps, toiletries, pet food, and other items. For more information, contact [email protected].
• Southwest Guilford High School: Free entry to volleyball games on Oct. 1 or Oct. 2 with the donation of two items or a single case of water/Gatorade. Items needed include cleaning products, non-perishable food, and basic hygiene products.
• West Forsyth High School: Collecting items to deliver to Mitchell High School at this week’s football game against Glenn on Oct. 4. Water, canned food, diapers, baby formula, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, other hygiene products, and non-perishable food items are accepted. Items can be dropped off at the main office if you cannot make it to the football game.
• West Stokes High School: Bring 5 non-perishable food items for free admission to all West Stokes athletic events the week of Sept. 30. The football team is also collectin donations at the ticket booth and concession stand beginning Monday from 10:30 AM until 3:00 PM.
• Whiteville High School: The Whiteville FCA is holding a donation drive at all home athletic events this week. Donations can be made at containers at the gate of all home games the week of Sept. 30. Donations can also be made outside the weight room before school. Immediate needs include water & sports drinks, non-perishable food, baby supplies, sanitizer and wipes, trash bags, rubber boots, work gloves, paper towels, flash lights, batteries, toiletries, pet food, tools and tool kits. Used clothing cannot be accepted.
• Willow Spring High School: Collecting items at its home football game on Sept. 30. Items needed include water, non-perishable food, baby supplies, pet food, hygiene products, bug spray, sunscreen, cleaning supplies, trash bags, and tarps/plastic sheeting.

High schools in western NC serving their communities

Communication with many schools in affected areas is difficult. If you’re aware of efforts happening at schools within western North Carolina, please email us at [email protected].

• Ashe County High School: Food, water, and electricity is available for people who need it
• South Caldwell High School: Free Wi-Fi available in the parking lot for the public. Resources have also been shared on social media and ParentSquare.
• Watauga High School: Serving as an emergency water distribution site

Source: highschoolot.com