MONTGOMERY COUNTY – The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is leading an effort to collect needed items for people affected by Hurricane Helena.
“As you know, Hurricane Helene caused substantial destruction, impacting our local communities in the New River Valley and bordering areas,” announced MCCC President and CEO Steve Baffuto. “With record-high flooding, many of our neighbors have experienced loss and are enduring hardships. We want to be a source of comfort and relief during their time of need.”
With the assistance of Feeding Southwest Virginia, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is requesting donations for the following items:
Nonperishable cans of food
Bottled water
Personal hygiene items – toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, toilet paper, etc.
Linens, towels, blankets, pillows
Diapers, baby food/formula
You may drop-off items at the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce at 210 Laurel Street, Suite B, Christiansburg, VA 24073. All donations are due at the Chamber Office by Friday, October 4 at 1 p.m. If you’d prefer your business to have its own drop-off center, Feeding SWVA will be delivering 30 boxes to the Chamber. Contact the Chamber if you would prefer to pick up a Feeding SWVA box from the Chamber office to be filled.
“Thank you, Feeding Southwest Virginia, for partnering with us to strengthen our local communities during this difficult time,” said Baffuto. “If you would like to explore further opportunities regarding donations, we have several local agencies that are helping as well. United Way of Southwest Virginia has stepped forward to raise funding for the emergency response and long-term recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.”
To donate to the 2024 SWVA Regional Disaster Relief Fund, go to https://unitedwayswva.charityproud.org/Donate/MiniCampaign/34132. The United Way of Southwest Virginia is leading the effort to raise funds for Hurricane Helena relief.
“Communities across Southwest Virginia depend on United Way of Southwest Virginia to quickly mobilize to meet immediate needs and assist in long-term recovery after disaster strikes,” the organization announced. “United Way of Southwest Virginia has the capacity, experience, and working relationships to provide the resources needed for relief and recovery.
Hurricane Helene caused devastation throughout Southwest Virginia and the New River Valley in communities such as Damascus and Taylor’s Valley from Sept. 26-28, 2024, requiring emergency evacuations and swift water rescue efforts. Thousands of residents were forced from their homes with only the clothes on their backs, and even more were left without electricity and safe drinking water.
United Way of Southwest Virginia has activated the 2024 SWVA Regional Disaster Relief Fund to assist those impacted by the flooding. All 2024 SWVA Regional Disaster Relief Fund donations will go directly to support those impacted by the September 2024 flood. United Way of Southwest Virginia works with authorities and partners in the affected localities to distribute funds.”
Staff report
