Hurricane Helene recently swept across the Southeast, destroying cities and towns across North Carolina and several other states. The devastating hurricane left many families without homes, food, and clean water. Communities have been coming together to try and help the victims of this natural disaster and overcome the tragedy. There are plenty of ways Apex High School students can help after the effects of Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene officially made landfall in Florida late in the evening of September 26, 2024. The hurricane was a Category 4 at landfall and quickly started to cause destruction. In Florida, there were winds up to 140 mph. Later, in North Carolina, wind speeds reached at least 78 mph and over 15 inches of rain fell in Asheville. The death toll from Hurricane Helene is already over 225, and is increasing. Destruction swept across at least six states, causing power outages, washed out roads, fallen trees, and crushed buildings. Hurricane Helene has been compared to Hurricane Katrina, a similarly destructive and horrific hurricane in 2005. Many cities and towns near Asheville and across the Appalachian mountains still need our help in this slow and difficult recovery process. 

The easiest and quickest way for students to help is to donate to Cougars Helping Cougars. Apex High School has adopted Asheville High School to help their community while they recover. High schools and universities across the state, including UNC Asheville and Appalachian State, all need donations and extra help. The Asheville Cougars and Apex Cougars want to work hand-in-hand to make everything just a little bit easier after Hurricane Helene. Since Asheville was one of the cities in North Carolina that was worst hit by the hurricane, there are plenty of items to donate that would make a huge impact to them.

Some of the best items to donate are nonperishables. This would include canned foods, bottled water, boxed drinks, or packaged snacks like granola bars. Baby items such as formula, diapers, wipes, and baby food pouches would help families who don’t have access to these necessities. Toiletries, pet food, cleaning supplies and other household items are in high demand without access to stores or products that were previously easier to find. Supplies will be collected until October 18th outside of Mrs. Brady’s room (room 1241) and Coach W’s office (room 1316). Also, if you bring donations to any athletic events through October 18th, you can get a free ticket to the game. 

Hurricane Helene is a natural disaster that will not quickly be forgotten, and its impact will be felt for years to come. Please donate to help the Cougars in Asheville, and continue to look for more ways to assist other victims of Hurricane Helene. 

Here is the information for Cougars Helping Cougars:

Cougars Helping Cougars