SPECIAL: October 02 – Is "can't do" stifling your CAN DO? Are you wanting to help in some way but don’t know where to begin? Are you overwhelmed by what feels like insurmountable odds? Has your momentum been forced to a complete halt because of unforeseen circumstances? Do you see others who need assistance, yet have no idea what you can do? 

I am dedicating this week’s blog to those impacted by Helene. The devastation of Helene has ravaged our FL/GA/ NC/SC/TN/ region in ways that haven’t been felt since Hugo’s wrath in 1989. With still so much to be learned as devastated areas are assessed by authorities and disaster relief agencies, rest assured that there is something each of us can do to make a difference for those impacted near and far. 
 
Take an MM&I Moment to awaken to the little things you can do to help those in need. If you have family, friends, clients, or acquaintances affected, share links and resources they may not be aware could be of assistance. There are numerous supplies staging areas being set up to collect donations to be transported to areas of destruction. Find out what is being collected and drop off to the nearest caravan collection site. 

A shout out to NAWIC Charlotte who recently sent a communication to our membership with these links/phone numbers: at www.fema.gov /1-800-621-FEMA (3362), www.redcross.org /1-800-RED-CROSS for shelter, and NC 211 if you are trying to locate a loved one. 

A shout out to weather forecaster extraordinaire, Brad Panovich, who has recommended these helpful ways to support the effort in North Carolina. 

• Fill up gas cans that can be transported to those needing to keep generators operating amidst electric outages.

• CONCORD NC: Operation Airdrop has been mobilized for Helene with a collection site at the Walmart Supercenter parking lot at 5825 Thunder Road NW, Concord, NC 28027 check-in site. Then items are being flown out of Concord International Airport.

• BOONE NC: To keep 911 emergency lines free, call these options in the Appalachian area: (828) 268-6200 Boone Town Hall: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with hours subject to change;  (828) 263-4178 Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps Non-Emergency Call Center (for non-urgent inquiries and reports related to storm impacts): 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and if the line is busy or it’s after hours, leave a message;  (828) 262-2000 Appalachian State University’s Main Line: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for shelter options being made available to residents. 

• Boone Area of Chamber Commerce is coordinating donations of certain items. The most pressing need is cleaning supply kits (5 gallon buckets, mops, cleaning supplies, paper towels). -The Summit Pickleball facility at 278 Industrial Park Drive is available for drop-off of supplies until 6 p.m. Sunday and starting again at 8 a.m. Monday.

• SAMARITAN’S PURSE is coordinating day and night volunteer opportunities for tree work, debris cleanup, roof tarping and mud outs. Sign up at spvolunteer.org.

 Yours in dreaming WIDE awake,