United Way, Prezzee, and GoFundMe Join Forces for Hurricane Helene Relief Fund in North Carolina

Relief Fund Launched to Assist Hurricane Helene Victims in North Carolina

In the wake of Hurricane Helene's destruction, a coalition of organizations—United Way of North Carolina, Prezzee, and GoFundMe.org—has come together to provide much-needed relief for families impacted by this catastrophic event. On December 20, 2024, these organizations announced the launch of a hurricane relief fund aimed specifically at helping North Carolinians recover from the harrowing experience caused by the storm.

Significant Support Offered

The newly established fund seeks to raise a total of $100,000, which will enable direct cash-equivalent grants of $200 to at least 300 families struggling to recover from Helene’s aftermath. This initiative is crucial considering the extent of the storm's damage, which the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management estimates will require around $59.6 billion for recovery efforts.

To kick-start the fund, initial donations amounting to $60,000 have been made by United Way, Prezzee, and GoFundMe.org, each contributing equally. This financial support is designed to help families purchase essential supplies, including food, clothing, and diapers, which are vital for their immediate needs post-disaster.

A Collective Effort

The impact of Hurricane Helene, which unleashed torrential rain and fierce winds beginning September 27, forced many residents to seek assistance as their homes faced severe damage. Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, the President and CEO of United Way of North Carolina, emphasized the importance of collaboration in crisis situations, stating, "This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration and ensures help gets directly into the hands of those who need it most."

United Way's NC 211 Helpline has experienced a significant increase in calls from those affected by the hurricane. Specialized operators have been working around the clock, connecting callers with essential resources for immediate housing and utility needs. Meanwhile, GoFundMe.org has taken on the role of managing the fund, ensuring donations are tracked and funds disbursed promptly through Prezzee's e-gift cards.

How Prezzee Contributes

Prezzee plays a crucial role in this initiative by providing prepaid gift cards that can be utilized at more than 300 retail and grocery locations, making it easier for families to access necessities. As David Christie, Deputy CEO of Prezzee, mentioned, "We are thankful to be directly helping families access what they need, when they need it, whilst ensuring this support can be felt immediately."

The significance of this community effort cannot be overstated, especially during the holiday season.
Amanda Brown Lierman, Executive Director of GoFundMe.org, echoed this sentiment, noting that this initiative exemplifies how well non-profits, businesses, and individual donors can collaborate to create positive change during times of need.

Tomorrow Starts Today

Individuals interested in supporting this relief effort can contribute directly to the Hurricane Relief Grants for North Carolina Residents Fund. Donations are tax-deductible and go directly to verified recipients identified by United Way of North Carolina. The power of community support cannot be underestimated, especially when families are trying to rebuild their lives in the wake of such destruction.

This holiday season offers a perfect opportunity to extend a helping hand to those recovering from the hurricane's impact. For those requiring continued support while reestablishing their lives post-calamity, GoFundMe has set up a link where additional fundraisers can be created to help meet various needs.

About the Organizations Involved

United Way of North Carolina works tirelessly to mobilize community resources, aiming to address fundamental challenges like resilience, health, and financial security. They coordinate closely with 47 local United Ways to implement programs tailored to community needs. To learn more, visit unitedwaync.org.

Prezzee is committed to fostering human connections through digital gifting, offering multi-brand and prepaid gift cards designed to provide immediate financial support. More information can be found at prezzee.com.

GoFundMe.org is dedicated to swiftly mobilizing assistance during crises and has made a pledge to help affected families rebuild lives in the wake of the hurricane. Discover more at gofundme.org.