CHARLOTTE, N.C. — WCNC Charlotte crews have been up in the mountains for weeks talking to people impacted by Hurricane Helene about their needs. They’re changing daily, but the one thing that wasn't changing was the urgent need for warm clothes.
They gave WCNC Charlotte a list of the most needed items to keep people warm as temperatures dip below freezing. The list included items they needed urgently like sleeping bags, coats, hats, gloves and socks.
WCNC Charlotte created an Amazon Wish List, and our Carolinians stepped up, sending thousands of items to WCNC Charlotte for the station employees to unbox, organize and distribute to those who need it most, including the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and Feeding Avery Families.
"This community is so giving and so generous," WCNC Charlotte Forecaster Larry Sprinkle said. "This is something very special."
There were so many donations, the station's lobby was overflowing.
"This is amazing," WCNC Charlotte Verify Reporter Meghan Bragg said while unpacking boxes. "And these boxes just keep coming in! They're rolling in here nonstop!"
Every day, more and more Amazon delivery trucks showed up and started to unload piles of boxes.
"It's a lot of stuff that's going to a great cause, which means, it's the good kind of a lot of stuff," WCNC Charlotte Producer Ethan Magram qualified.
In all, more than 10,000 items were collected, everything from blankets to hats to gloves to socks to jackets and even sleeping bags.
"It's been amazing, and the generosity is overwhelming," WCNC Charlotte General Manager and President Joan Barrett said, who personally spent hours in the lobby unpacking and organizing items. "We just want to say we're not done yet. This is for the long haul, and we'll have your back."
The donations will go directly to families who desperately need this cold-weather gear on Tuesday, Oct. 22. WCNC Charlotte employees are going to drive them up to the people in both Avery and Watauga counties.
There are still so many ways you can help those in need, either by donating to the Red Cross, volunteer your time with the Red Cross or Samaritan's Purse.