Murphy – The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and Murphy Fire Department were hard at work Sunday afternoon collecting needed supplies for those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Both departments were drop-off locations for requested items such as water, socks, baby wipes, batteries, toilet paper and aspirin, all of which would be taken to Black Mountain. Sheriff Dustin Smith and Fire Chief Al Lovingood said they were amazed that so many generous people brought much more than just the requested items .
Many local businesses, residents and organizations brought bags, car loads and truck beds filled with everything from food, over-the-counter medications, hygiene products, pet supplies and more. Several people made repeated trips back to the drop-off points to continuing donating.
The Cherokee Clay Food Alliance made numerous trips dropping off full truckloads of supplies, and Walmart in Murphy donated a large number of children’s rest mats and other items.
The energy and giving spirit of people could be felt as everyone came together to give, help load the transport vehicles and trailers as well as offer additional trucks if needed for transport. Even children looked eager to help.
The Murphy Police Department, 498 Hill St., is still accepting donations toward the relief efforts and will continue to do so as long as needed.
"My wife and I took food and supplies to our son who is a senior at Mars Hill that is 20 minutes above Asheville. Traveling through Asheville was an eye-opening experience. I've worked several hurricanes with the wildlife commission in eastern North Carolina, and the devastation I saw yesterday was by far the worst I've ever seen,” Murphy Police Chief Tim Lominac said.
“The devastation was enough to make the hardest of men cry. We were able to get supplies to the kids at Mars Hill, and all were in good spirits.”
The latest update is that 130 are confirmed dead from Hurricane Helene, with 56 being in North Carolina. About 600 people are unaccounted for, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer told CNN Monday night.
Mountain Mule Packer Ranch, based in Mount Ulla, will be using mules to trek in supplies to impacted areas. On Tuesday morning, they were at their staging area in Montreat and will deliver supplies in Black Mountain later in the day.
President Joe Biden will fly over Asheville on Wednesday because the road damage is too severe for the presidential motorcade.
The Buncombe County Government announced Tuesday morning that Interstate 40 East is open.
As discussed during the Rotary Club of Murphy’s meeting Monday, donated items needed for the people of western North Carolina and cleanup efforts include baby formula, baby food, non-perishable food items, MREs, water, Gatorade/electrolyte drinks, paper products (plates, cups, napkins), plasticware (forks, knives, spoons), first-aid supplies, adult diapers (all sizes) , diapers/pull-ups, wipes, deodorant, toothbrushes/toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, paper towels, body wash, shampoo/conditioner, razors, shaving cream, hand sanitizer, hand soap, various pet foods, new blankets, new bed sheets, new sleeping bags, new towels/wash cloths, new clothing of all sizes (men, women, children, baby), new shoes of all sizes, new socks, new underwear, charcoal, propane, candles, gas cans, coolers, tarps, flashlights, batteries, bug spray, trash bags (contractor size), bleach and other cleaning supplies, gloves, safety glasses, hardware and tools, hoses, wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, brooms, mops, activities for kids (crayons, markers, coloring books, activity books, board games, card games, etc.), new toys, new backpacks and school supplies, cook stoves, fans, dehumidifiers and generators.
Several churches, businesses and individuals are taking donations, including the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Murphy Police Department, Murphy Fire Department, Culberson Fire Department, Ranger Fire Department, Martins Creek Fire Department, Shepherd of the Mountain Church, First Free Will Baptist Church in Hayesville, Hospice of North Carolina, Towns County Herald in Hiawassee, Ga., Tantopia, Legends Steakhouse, Veteran’s Coffee & Café in Hayesville and Murphy School of Dance (from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday or Thursday).
Double Tap Tattoo & Tactical is accepting donations and will deliver supplies every three days. Donations can also be left with Lexus Stewart or DeAnna DeVane of Downtown Charm.
Men on the Move Moving Co. and Ray Mchan will donate trucks to deliver supplies. Men on the Move trucks will be at the Valley River Humane Society Thrift Store through Thursday. Contact Mchan at 828-360-2444 or ray.mchan@yahoo.com.
Kristie’s Tees is selling shirts, and profits will be used to buy donation items.
For those looking for volunteer opportunities, contact the following organizations: Samaritan’s Purse, Cherokee Clay Food Alliance, World Central Kitchen, BeLoved Asheville, Baptists on Mission, First Free Will Baptist Church in Hayesville, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, Forsyth Humane Society and Operation BBQ Relief.
Sports Editor Cannon Crompton and Staff Correspondent Aiden McCoy Williams contributed to this report.