The national network of community action agencies is no stranger to responding to emergencies. For more than 60 years, the network has worked to help low- and moderate-income households in America. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Ohio agencies are collecting donations from across the state to deliver to Blue Ridge Community Action of North Carolina in Morganton, NC

“Our network is committed to helping poor people, regardless of cause or circumstance,” said Philip E. Cole, executive director of the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies. “When the hurricane hit and devastated our friends in North Carolina, Ohio’s network of agencies stepped into action to help.”

Julia Wise, executive director of the Highland County Community Action Organization, and her staff organized two semi-trucks to deliver the donations to the North Carolina agency whose building was condemned due to flooding.

“We saw the devastation created by Hurricane Helene and knew we had to do something to help our peers and colleagues,” Wise said. “Many Community Action staff have been personally affected but continue to help their neighbors while suffering their own losses. If our efforts help those affected, we are happy to do what we can.”

Community action agencies and other Ohio residents collect donations, help load trucks and even volunteer to run the semifinals in North Carolina. Todd Campbell, a local farmer from Highland County, volunteered to drive one of the trailers to the Morganton, NC agency along with a driver from Willey Trucking. Applied Energy Sales and Services donated $22,000 in light bulbs.

Donations from 25 Ohio community action agencies and other related organizations include clothing, appliances, furniture, cleaning supplies, baby formula, electric heaters, blankets, cookware, shoes, office supplies and monetary donations . The work continues.

Sharon Goodson, executive director of the North Carolina Community Action Association, helps coordinate receiving donations at the North Carolina agency. The Blue Ridge Community Action office was closed after the hurricane and staff are working out of temporary offices.

Two semis full of donations will leave Highland County Sunday evening (October 27) and are scheduled to arrive in Morganton, NC early Monday morning. Volunteers are ready to unload donations and organize them for distribution to households affected by Hurricane Helene.

Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other. Community action agencies work to alleviate poverty and empower low-income families in their communities.

The Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies represents 48 agencies across the state serving the needs of low-income people in all 88 Ohio counties. CAA provides education and training, emergency services and other assistance programs to more than 600,000 Ohioans annually.

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