09/30/2024
IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM OPERATION AIRDROP!
https://www.operation-airdrop.com/hurricane-helene
Their list of badly needed items has been revised and specialized to the current situation. Please consider giving directly to them, boxing and shipping these supplies to the locations they specify in the above link, and using this list to better focus any donations going forward. Thank you!
We have an updated list of urgently needed donation items, including:
- Waterproof mattress pads
- Specialty baby formula
- Distilled water
- Dehumidifiers
- Microban
- Damp-Rid
- Baby bottles
- Bee/hornet killer
- Baby blankets
Update: Photo Dump!
Successful day! https://www.29news.com/2024/10/03/charlottesville-pilot-taking-supplies-asheville-bringing-back-stranded-pets/
I am going to be making at least one run down to Asheville later this week to drop off a load of supplies. I'm working with an organization called Operation Airdrop, this is the list of things they are looking for, and not looking for. If anyone would like to donate in the Charlottesville area for this operation boxed supplies - for ease of packing into the plane - can be dropped off at Signature Flight Support at CHO or my house, or I can come get them from you.
Not sure exactly when I'm going down, Wednesday or Friday this week most likely.
In addition, after the supplies get dropped off I'll have up to 5 seats on the plane available for evacuation from that area, so if you have someone that needs to get out the quick way, message me directly and we'll see what we can work out.
Also consider donating directly to the organization. I can only carry so much stuff in the plane and they can direct it where it's most needed. Thank you!
There is a lot of need here locally too, but what's happened down in NC is truly beyond description so that's where I'm going to focus with the tools that I have.
Thanks ya'll.
Update 1. We organized packaged and weighed the massive pile of donations that have come in so far. So much generosity! Many of them had notes from children to the recipients wishing them well. We'll load up the plane tomorrow for a noon departure for Asheville. Thank you to Lauren her mom and Stephen Dolan for their help!
As of now I don't have any evacuees lined up to pull out of there. I'd really like to help anyone that needs to get out quickly, so if anyone has anyone please let me know!
Update 2. First load of 900lbs of supplies loaded up and delivered. Waiting on the second half of kitten delivery before heading home. Will drop them off and then fill up another 900lbs for drop off in Concord. Asheville is running like a well oiled machine, helicopters and fixed wing traffic in constant movement.
Update 3. What a great day! 1600lbs of badly needed supplies delivered. 22 little lives saved. Everything ran smoothly and professionally. Great to see America stand up and take care of our own! Planning another run to Statesville or wherever the need is greatest and where we can coordinate another animal rescue!
And the local news showed up.
https://www.29news.com/2024/10/03/charlottesville-pilot-taking-supplies-asheville-bringing-back-stranded-pets/