Posts, units and squadrons across the southeast are helping their communities and others impacted by the devastating storm.
More than 160 people have died, hundreds more are missing, and more than a million were still without power a week after Hurricane Helene’s devastating landfall in the Southeast.
The storm dumped more than two feet of rain in areas of western North Carolina, hundreds of miles from the hurricane’s landfall in Florida. Deaths due to the storm and its aftermath were reported in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
And many in the most devastated areas were left unable to communicate outside due to internet and cell service outages.
While President Biden promised the full support of the federal government in relief efforts, the process has already begun via the American Legion Family.
Here’s a look at some of those efforts; Legion posts, Auxiliary units and SAL squadrons are encouraged to continue to share their stories and photos on Legiontown.org in the Volunteering section.
North Carolina
• Post 116 in Fuquay-Varina is hosting a donation drive to help those affected by flooding in western North Carolina. “We have already sent out items in two deliveries,” Post 116 public relations chair Krista Abshure shared in a post on Legiontown. “We will be having a continuous drop-off setup with a storage trailer on site at Post 116.”
• Post 321 in Huntersville has been accepting supplies and coordinating with Operation Airdrop and first responders to distribute those donations to those in need.
• Post 87 in High Point has been collecting water, nonperishable items, and financial donations for supplies. The post will also host a concert Oct. 18, with all proceeds going to supplies for hurricane victims.
Florida
• Post 250 in Middleburg is serving as a collection point for donations from across District 5.
• Collection points in South Florida include Post 98 in Coral Gables and Post 154 in Marathon. Supplies will be taken to the state VFW headquarters in Orlando on Oct. 8 for distribution to the areas hit hardest by Helene.
• Post 83 in Macclenny is accepting donations at the post, including water, food, pitchforks, rakes and cleaning supplies.
• Post 392 in Panama City has been collecting supplies including water, nonperishables, household items and hygiene products. “Few years ago, it happened to us,” Squadron 392 member Terry Moore told WJHG. “We accumulated things for us just in case it came our way but now we’re going to give it to those that are in need.”
South Carolina
• Members of Post 101 in Pelion helped cut and clear trees that the storm dropped on the roof of a home of two disabled Sons of The American Legion.
• Post 179 in West Ashley has opened a collection for supplies to help those affected in western North Carolina, including water, cleaning supplies, tarps, camping supplies and more.
Maryland
Post 91 in Cambridge served as a collection point for supply donations, which were to be transported to Statesville, N.C., for distribution by airplane.
National Emergency Fund
If you’ve been impacted by a natural disaster, you may be eligible for assistance.
The NEF provides up to $3,000 for qualified Legionnaires or Sons of The American Legion, and up to $10,000 for qualified American Legion posts which have been affected by declared natural disasters.
To be eligible for an individual grant, the Legionnaire or Son:
1. Must have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during a declared natural disaster.
2. Must provide copies of receipts of items required to meet immediate needs, such as housing, food, water, clothing, etc., during the period immediately following the disaster.
3. Must be an active member at the time of the disaster and the time of application.
The American Legion has created a presentation which discusses details on the NEF grant, including what the NEF covers and does not cover and how to complete the NEF application. Click here to view that presentation. And click here for NEF brochures and a preparation guide.
- Emergency