Hurricane Helene

Clemmons Presbyterian is actively responding to the disaster in western North Carolina. See below for ways you, too, can get involved.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. On the heels of Helene, the Missions Committee made an immediate donation of $1,000 directly to PDA. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is in WNC coordinating with clergy to meet the immediate and ongoing needs of the surrounding communities. In addition to the donation from the missions committee, we continue to share information with the congregation about PDA. Many thanks to those who have made generous donations. 

Disaster Relief Fund & Donations. 

• Given our proximity to WNC and many close connections to people and communities in the region, the session and missions committee are beginning a disaster relief fund. The initial goal is to raise $24,000. These funds will be shared with Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, and other churches to be identified. We will be sending money to local churches knowing they will be good stewards of the funds to the local communities.
• We are in close communication with Rumple Memorial Presbyterian, where Brittany Darst’s father works and Troy has a close colleague. If you are interested in making a non-monetary donation, Bob and Laura Geyer will be making a trip to Rumple Memorial next Wednesday and are happy to ferry your donations. Scan the QR code to see what’s needed. (The needs are ever changing.)
• Checks payable to CPC with the memo “Helene” may be placed in the offering, mailed to or dropped off to the church office, or you may give online using the link above.

Blood Drive. The November 14 CPC blood drive will be critical to refilling supply at the American Red Cross. We are encouraging those who do not traditionally participate in blood drives to consider giving.

Coats and Blankets. With the cool weather rapidly approaching, people need warm coats and blankets. The Thursday women’s Bible study and GOOTH are collecting new or gently used coats and blankets that will go directly to the Spruce Pine area. Feel free to participate even if you are not a member of these groups.

Cleanup Bucket Kits. Session has approved a campaign to raise funds to make PDA clean up buckets.  Much of WNC does not have running water yet; we will begin this campaign in the coming months as communities are able to move from living day-to-day to planning for the future. 

Volunteering. As more of the disaster hit areas become accessible, volunteers for relief efforts are needed. The PCUSA’s Camp Grier is offering both housing and volunteer opportunities. Samaritan’s Purse is seeking volunteers in Burnsville, Boone, & Asheville. Both Camp Grier and Samaritan’s Purse have clear information on their websites about volunteering if you are able and interested.

Pray & Connect.  Many in our congregation have relatives, friends, and other close connections that were impacted by Helene. Please continue to pray for the people working to restore power, crews working on water and roads, the many volunteers, and, most of all, the people affected by the hurricane. We also encourage you to speak to those with whom you share a pew or a table on Wednesday nights. You will hear inspiring stories from individuals in our congregation who are sharing in the work of rebuilding communities. We’ve all been called in different ways, but together we are making a huge impact.