Compassion in Action
Gaston County YMCA in Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts for Our Mountain Neighbors
Please note that the final day to drop off supplies at the Gaston County Family YMCA is Thursday, October 17th.
We are deeply devastated by the impact of Hurricane Helene on our neighbors in the mountains. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this unimaginable time. In line with our mission, the Gaston County Family YMCA is committed to taking action to help support those affected.
Our Relief Efforts
SUPPLY DONATIONS (Last Day is October 17th)
To provide direct assistance, we are partnering with YMCAs across North Carolina to collect and send donations to our sister YMCAs in the mountains, including YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Reuter Family YMCA, and Williams YMCA of Avery County. These YMCAs will distribute the donations to their staff and local communities as needed.
SHOWERS, WI-FI, DEVICE CHARGING
If you are without power or hot water due to the horrible effects of Helene, please know you are welcome at the Y.
We are open to the general community for showers, wi-fi, and device charging.
If you’re not a member, and you have an ID, please bring it. No ID? No problem. We only need your name and phone number, and you’re still welcome to join us.
Find our 4 Gaston County Family YMCA locations and facility hours at gastonymca.org/locations
Read more about how our NC Alliance of YMCAs has banded together for Hurricane Helene Relief.
Ways To Donate Through the YMCA
Making a Donation
If you’d like to make a donation to support the Hurricane Helene relief efforts, please check with your local YMCA for drop-off locations, times, and a list of accepted items.
For those in the Gaston County Family YMCA area, donations can be dropped off at any of our three YMCA locations:
Pharr Family YMCA:
208 Main St, McAdenville, NC 28101
Warlick Family YMCA:
2221 Robinwood Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054
Stowe Family YMCA:
196 YMCA Dr, Belmont, NC 28012
Your contributions will go directly to helping our sister YMCAs and their communities in need. Thank you for your support!
Financial Donations
Y-USA created a central link for donations in order to support the Ys most impacted.
The YMCA is on the ground in the hardest-hit communities, providing critical support. You can also choose to donate directly to the YMCAs serving those affected, helping us continue to deliver the aid they desperately need.
Donations Being Accepted for Specific Branches
At this time, we are prioritizing the specific needs of the YMCA branches receiving our donations.
As part of this, we are no longer able to accept used clothing or supplies. Unfortunately, many donated items have arrived in poor condition, with holes or wear that make them unusable, resulting in unnecessary waste. Our goal is to provide our neighbors with high-quality, useful supplies, so we are only accepting new clothing and cold-weather items moving forward.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support!
Avery County YMCA is in need of:
- Gas-powered cooking stoves
- Gas canisters to fuel gas-powered stoves
- Winter clothes, hats, gloves, jackets
- Plywood and other basic construction goods
Avery County YMCA Amazon Wish Lists:
Hurricane Recovery and Relief Wishlist*
Children’s Christmas Wishlist*
*We recommend shipping these items directly to the Williams YMCA of Avery County Membership's Gift Registry Address option provided in the Amazon checkout process.
YMCA of Western North Carolina is in need of:
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable foods
- Feminine products
- Baby diapers and wipes
- Cleaning supplies
Donation Delivery Instructions for YMCA Associations Only
If your YMCA would like to participate in the relief efforts, please follow these below guidelines.
FOR YMCA ASSOCIATIONS ONLY
Last day for large donation drop off is Friday, October 11th.
Please plan to get your donations to the Gaston County Family YMCA as soon as possible.
Before dropping off donations, please coordinate with Miles Barrineau with the Alliance to confirm what you are bringing and to arrange your drop-off. This step is CRITICAL to the success of this mission as Miles is coordinating with the Gaston County Family YMCA on logistics.
Contact Miles at Miles.Barrineau@ncymcas.org and include:
- the items you plan to bring
- the quantity of each item
- the size of vehicle transporting your donations
He will then assign you a location to deliver your supplies.
Please do not just show up at one of our locations without first coordinating with Miles.
Additional Resources
If you wish to support those affected by Hurricane Helene, consider these alternative reputable options:
Visit the American Red Cross Safe and Well page to locate family members in affected areas.
Help support Helene relief efforts at your local Harris Teeter by rounding up at checkout.
Governor Cooper encourages donations to the state’s disaster relief fund.
The hockey team is donating ticket revenue to the relief effort.
Texting leaves phone lines open for emergencies. Stay in touch with loved ones via text or social media.
The most effective way to help after a disaster is through cash donations. Visit FEMA’s Volunteer and Donate page for more information.