Editor’s note: Ocracoke has many friends in the western part of the state, and we are anxious to help our friends in need. We wish them well in this difficult time.

By Peter Vankevich

As the news on the massive damage and loss of many lives from Hurricane Helene in the western area of the state continues to unravel, Ocracoke islanders and those on Hyde County mainland have begun with sending support to what will be a long, massive rebuilding effort that includes everything from drones to mules.

Tuesday, the Hyde County Sheriff’s Office announced that in the coming days deputies from their agency will be heading to western NC to help with disaster recovery efforts. Anyone interested in donating supplies can drop them off at the Hyde County Sheriff’s Office, 1223 Main Street, Swan Quarter.

The Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department will be delivering supplies to Ashe County. Chief Albert O’Neal and Bob Despo will take the 7 a.m. Swan Quarter ferry Thursday, using the chief’s personal truck to take supplies collected from the community. A table was set up in the front of the station to accept only small items because of space limitations.

 “So many out there helped us after Hurricane Dorian and now here is our opportunity to help them,” O’Neal said.

These supplies will be delivered to a volunteer fire department that OVFD has coordinated with. This is the first of several planned efforts to support those impacted, many who have lost their family members and homes.

The Ocracoke United Methodist Church is also taking quick action and has issued the following:

OUMC RESPONSE TO HURRICANE HELENE DEVESTATION IN WNC

Ocracoke United Methodist Church is mobilizing an effort to assist our brothers and sisters in need and in the western part of the state. This effort is four-fold.

1 – We are accepting donations both online and via mail. Online donations can be made through our website, www.ocracokeumc.com. Checks can be made out to OUMC with “WNC relief” in the memo and mailed to OUMC, PO Box 278, Ocracoke, NC 27960. We will also be collecting a special collection every Sunday through the end of the month.

2 – We are collecting supplies.

            Water & Electric Deficient Supplies:

–              Solar powered lanterns with charger ports

–              Solar powered lights, chargers, etc.

–              Steripen UV water purifier pens

Cleaning Supplies:

–              Gloves, Masks, Tvek suits

–              Bleach tablets, Concrobium, Benefect, Shockwave, White Vinegar, WD-40

–              Shop Vacs, shop brooms, mops, sponges, scrub brushes

–              Box cutters, hammers, prybars

Food:

–              Dried beans, lentils

–              Pasta, Rice, oats

–              Canned vegetables, beans, milk, formula

–              Protein powders

–              Spices (please add flavor to remind people that this misery is not forever!)

First-Aid:

–              Multivitamins, Emergen-C, Airborne tablets, Electrolyte packets

–               Tums, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Tylenol

–              Band-aids, Biofreeze, Icy-hot patches, Neosporin

Household Products:

–              Tissues, cotton balls, q-tips

–              Feminine hygiene products

–              Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss

–              Diapers (all ages), wet wipes, depends

–              Hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, shaving cream, razors

Pet Supplies:

–              Dry, wet food, and treats for cats and dogs

–              Litter boxes & litter

3 – We are sending volunteers. If you would like to join a volunteer group, please email ocracokenccumc@gmail.com. We will also have a meeting Wednesday, October 2, at 6pm at OUMC for all who can attend. We will be sending out multiple teams if possible. Our pastor will be going out mid-October and we are organizing larger groups to leave the week before and week of Thanksgiving, and a youth trip on Spring Break.

4 – Prayer. We believe that there is power in prayer, and we are asking that people pick specific counties, towns, and communities and pray fervently over those people and circumstances. Pray that people are put there in the ways that are most needed, pray that those who are lost are found, pray that assistance comes rolling in stronger than the floods, and pray that all may be done for the glory of God.

Pastor Desirée Adams noted in a message:
“As many of you know, Western North Carolina (WNC)is where I grew up. My family and friends are those who have been affected by this storm and so their recovery is very important to my heart, as it is to many of yours.

I believe Ocracoke is one of the strongest and most generous communities in the world. We understand what has happened, what the road to recovery will look like, and we have the skillset to be a real asset to these hurting communities. I am asking that we come together, all members of the community, to support WNC in whatever ways we can.

The first people who showed up to my door after Hurricane Dorian were from western North Carolina, the first supplies and checks as well. Let’s return the favor.

You are the salt of the earth—with the power to heal, preserve, and add flavor in the name of God’s steadfast love. Be love and stay salty.”