October 8, 2024 |
Photo – Damage to Chimney Rock, North Carolina – Courtesy The Weather Channel
South central Wyoming residents are collecting donations to help the people of North Carolina.
On September 22nd, Hurricane Helene formed in the Gulf of Mexico. By the time it made landfall in Florida four days later, the storm was a category three hurricane, with wind speeds between 111 and 129 miles an hour.
As Hurricane Helene impacted the western portion of North Carolina, heavy rain and strong winds caused landslides and eroded riverbanks, resulting in extensive flooding. By the time the storm dissipated, dozens of North Carolina communities were cut off from water and electricity. As of yesterday afternoon, the death toll from Hurricane Helene stands at 227.
The federal response, to the deadliest hurricane since Katrina, has been slow. Americans across the country have taken it upon themselves to help the people of western North Carolina.
Here in Saratoga, Strong Tower Designs owner Sophia Borg is collecting donations from Cowboys for Carolina.
Borg explained that Cowboys for Carolina is a collaboration between Laramie resident Amanda Travor and the University of Wyoming to bring needed supplies to the people of North Carolina. Last weekend, Travor began asking for donations to be dropped off at the War Memorial Stadium.
Borg said her ties to the region hit by Hurricane Helene compelled her to help. After seeing Travor’s social media posts about bringing supplies to North Carolina, Borg said she volunteered to use her business as a drop-off point.
Borg said Cowboys for Carolina has compiled a long list of needed items. Anything and everything can help.
In addition to first aid items and food, Borg said new clothes are in high demand since residents without water are unable to wash their clothes.
Many aid organizations are also asking for unopened toys and stuffed animals for children affected by the hurricane.
Since this weekend, Borg said Saratoga residents have donated enough items to fill a pickup truck bed. Inflation is hurting everyone, but Borg encouraged people to continue contributing to the good cause.
Borg explained that Travor will be coming to Saratoga this week with a box truck to pick up the donated items. Thankfully, a delay in getting to North Carolina has given Borg more time to collect and organize the donations.
Borg is asking Carbon County residents to bring donated items to her store, Strong Tower Design, located at 104 East Bridge Avenue in Saratoga. If you have any questions, call Sophia Borg at (850)340-1864.
You may also contact Cowboys for Carolina organizer Amanda Travor directly at (662)302-6487.
