Ways to Help Your Community

Donations

Donations of products for disaster relief require transportation, warehousing, and distribution of the products. The most effective offer is a monetary donation. Charitable organizations assisting South Carolina victims will use your donation to purchase - locally if possible - the exact items needed to meet the needs of the victims.

We are requesting that all monetary donations be sent directly to SCVOAD charitable organizations who are assisting our State during this emergency. Please make a selection from the organizations listed below.

If you need additional assistance regarding donations, please call 803-737-8518.

Volunteer Services

Thank you for your interest in volunteering to assist those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Many volunteer opportunities require specialized training, and we want to ensure all volunteers are safe during response and recovery operations. We recommend that you consider volunteering within your own networks or GET AFFILIATED with a voluntary organization active in disasters. To find local volunteer opportunities, contact any of the South Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (SCVOADs) listed below.

The state of South Carolinas is asking volunteers to NOT SELF-DEPLOY, as unexpectedly showing up will create an additional burden for first responders. If you are not affiliated with a group, please register at VolunteerSC.org. As public officials and disaster relief organizations identify the specific needs, you will be contacted.

Clothing

We are not directly accepting used clothing items. However, we are requesting that any in-state clothing donations be taken to a charitable organization within your community. These organizations already have resources in place to make the best use of donated clothing.

Food

The best way to help with food is through a financial donation.  Feeding the Carolinas, the 501(c)2 nonprofit state association supporting the four Feeding America Food Banks in South Carolina, is accepting financial donations to then use to support their member Food Banks.  You can donate here.

South Carolinians that wish to collect food items should check with their local food pantry or other charitable organization to see what is needed. These local food pantries as well as Feeding the Carolinas’ member Food Banks will be distributing food and supplies to impacted areas. Go to Feeding the Carolinas and use the Find Food feature to find local food pantries.

Feeding the Carolinas’ member Food Banks area Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina  serving the Upstate/Spartanburg area; Harvest Hope Food Bank: serving the Midlands; Golden Harvest Food Bank: serves the Aiken area; and Lowcountry Food Bank serves the Lowcountry.