GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — The United Way of Gaston County is seeking solutions for those impacted by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina by partnering with local organizations to ensure people get the essentials.
The community continues to come out in droves to support neighbors who are dealing with the storm's aftermath.
Typically, the United Way of Gaston County's primary focus is on helping within the county. But since Helene, the focus has shifted to also helping people in western North Carolina.
"It reminds me of how close our community was to being directly impacted," Andrea Stephens, the agency's president, said. "It leads to my passion and I just want to jump in and help and do my part and do what I can."
Stephens said the United Way of Gaston County immediately contacted some of its partners to assist people impacted most by the hurricane. Those groups include the American Red Cross.
Right now, they're collecting items like water, paper towels, toilet paper and cleaning supplies.
"We really need bottled water and right now it's a supply-and-demand issue in Gaston County, but that's a need," Stephens said. "We need bottled water, we need paper products. Our partners have said if you can collect as much bottled water and paper goods, that's helpful. And we need some prepackaged food items that are easily accessible."
Stephens says since the campaign started, they've seen generosity in other ways. She mentioned a woman who took money that was originally going toward a vacation in Asheville to help victims.
"Lena Hyman took her vacation money and purchased supplies for western North Carolina," Stephens said. "She and her mom bought a carload of supplies."
The United Way of Gaston County is accepting donations at its office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The office is located at 300 East Franklin Boulevard in Gastonia.
Contact Nick Sturdivant at nsturdiva1@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.