CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)—With southeastern states, including parts of South Carolina, still reeling from Hurricane Helene’s sweeping through, several Lowcountry businesses and organizations are taking donations to help those affected by the storm. The powerful category four storm led to the deaths of 29 people in the state, most of those occurring in upstate counties, according […]
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)—With southeastern states, including parts of South Carolina, still reeling from Hurricane Helene’s sweeping through, several Lowcountry businesses and organizations are taking donations to help those affected by the storm.
The powerful category four storm led to the deaths of 29 people in the state, most of those occurring in upstate counties, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.
State Secretary Mark Hammond cautioned donors to be aware before they give.
“The people of South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee face unprecedented challenges following Hurricane Helene’s destruction,” said Secretary Hammond. “This recovery will not be quick, and communities will need our help. I encourage anyone who wants to help devastated communities to do their research so that their donation will go to those in need.”
Some tips to follow are to do your research to make sure that the charity is properly registered to solicit in South Carolina, consider limiting contributions to reputable charities, don’t feel pressured to give right away, protect yourself from identity theft, and notify the Secretary of State’s Office if you have questions or concerns regarding a specific charity.
Here’s a list of Lowcountry spots taking donations to help those in need:
Millers All Day
The southern eatery is asking for donations at its James Island location. The money will go towards relief efforts in devastated Asheville, North Carolina.
The restaurant’s James Island location is at 1956A Maybank Highway. It will accept donations Monday until 7 p.m. and Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
You can also send money using the link in their Instagram bio @millersallday or donate cash.
Fred Anderson Toyota Charleston
The Toyota dealership at 2100 Savannah Highway has been set up as a donation center. It will take water and non-perishable items for those in need and deliver them to western North Carolina communities.
The items accepted are:
Bottled Water
Non-Perishable Food
Contractor-Size Trash Bags
Clothes All Sizes
First Aid Supplies
Feminine Hygiene
Diapers & Baby Clothes
Hand Sanitizer
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Bleach (Bottles, Spray, Wipes)
Shovels
Brooms
Gloves
Coolers
Propane
Cookstoves
Flashlights
Batteries
Fans
Dehumidifiers
Generators
Gas Cans
Pet Helpers
In response to the needs following Helen’s destruction, Pet Helpers has organized two supply drives. One is at Pet Helpers on 1447 Folly Road, and the second is at Animal Helpers Retail on 1376 Savannah Highway.
Local businesses have teamed up with the organization to accept essential supplies for cats and dogs, including collars, leashes, harnesses, canned food, dry food, cat litter, and more. Supplies will be taken to Aiken County.
Isle of Palms Police Department
Isle of Palms police are accepting donations, which can be dropped off at the first floor of the Public Safety Building, located at 30 JC Long Blvd, anytime between now and Wednesday.
Used clothing, water, HAZMAT, most chemicals, fuel, and flammable materials will not be accepted. Water and liquids cannot be accepted due to helicopter weight limits.
Accepted items:
Sports drinks (powdered packets)
Hydration packets (powder form)
Baby wipes
Diapers (children & adults)
Baby formula
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Plastic utensils
Manual can openers
Trash bags (13 gal or contractor bags)
Non-perishable food
Cleaning supplies
Plastic sheeting/tarps
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
toiletries/sanitation items
Pet food (dog/cat)
Hand sanitizer
Sanitizer wipes
Feminine hygiene products
Heavy-duty work gloves
Socks – all sizes (unopened)
City of Hanahan
Hanahan city officials are accepting supplies that will be delivered to Augusta, Georgia. Supplies can be dropped off at the Community Services Window in the lobby of Hanahan City Hall.
What to donate includes cleaning supplies like wipes, disinfectant sprays, paper towels, large trash bags, non-perishable snacks, bottled water, and small outdoor toys to entertain children while adults are working.
Harbor Lake Baptist Church
Harbor Lake at 1056 Red Bank Road in Goose Creek is now gathering donations for a second wave of trucks that will leave later this week. People can drop off water, Gatorade, non-perishable food items, cat and dog items, toiletries, and other comfort items.