Supporting Southern Region Nurseries Impacted by Hurricane Helene
Relief Efforts for Southern Nurseries
Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction across the Southern Region, devastating horticulture businesses, including Carolina Native Nursery in western North Carolina, which lost 90% of its inventory. With roads damaged and communication systems down, recovery will take years, and the green industry is coming together to help those affected. For more details, read this comprehensive article by Nursery Management Magazine.
How to Help Horticulture Businesses After Helene
➡️ How Can You Help?
Donate the following items:
- Shovels, rakes, cleaning supplies
- Non-perishable food & energy bars
- Hygiene items, paper towels, toilet paper
- Clothing (t-shirts & hoodies)
Buds & Blossoms Nursery has been doing supply drops, with the most recent being on October 2nd. Stay tuned to their Instagram Page for future supply drop information!
Garden Supply Company in Cary, NC, has compiled a list of ways to assist and suggests the following resources:
- Bond Brothers: Donations drop-off location
- Gizmo Brew Works: Donations drop-off location
- Operation Airdrop: Mobilizing assistance, accepting donations, and volunteers
- Samaritan’s Purse: Monetary donations accepted on their website
- Manna Food Bank (Asheville, NC): Donate financially on their website
- NC.GOV: Make donations directly on their website
- WRAL: List of North Carolina residents marked safe
More Ways to Help in the Aftermath
The Associated Press created this guide and suggests:
- Cash is best: Monetary donations are most helpful as they allow organizations to meet specific needs quickly without requiring additional resources.
- Donate to trusted groups: Look for charities with a history of aid in affected areas. Charity Navigator and GoFundMe have curated lists of organizations helping in the aftermath.
- Look for matching donations: Nonprofits like Walmart’s Foundation are offering matching donation programs to amplify support. Walmart will match donations to the American Red Cross made at their stores or online until Oct. 13, up to $2.5 million.
- Consider waiting: Rebuilding efforts will take months, so there will be ongoing needs. Experts recommend pacing your donations as needs often increase once government assistance expires.
- "Monetary donations can stretch farther through groups that can purchase in bulk and have transportation logistics in place,” says the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.
- Evergreen of Colonial Heights, a garden center in Kingsport, Tennessee, is also supporting efforts by collecting nonperishable food, water, diapers, toiletries, and pet supplies. They’re offering a $5 off $20 coupon to anyone who donates.
Stay Informed, Stay Connected
If you or someone you know has been affected by the storm, or if you want to get involved in relief efforts, please contact Wendi Doak at the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association (NCNLA) for additional support and resources. Follow their Instagram page for updates!
Together, we can help rebuild the native plant business and assist our fellow nurseries as they recover from this disaster. Stay strong and join us in these efforts!