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Virginia churches team up to help victims of Hurricane Helene

FILE - A partially submerged vehicle sits in floodwater from after Hurricane Helene passed the area, Sept 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen, File)

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – Dr. Willard G. Maxwell Jr. of New Beech Grove Baptist Church is partnering with the Virginia Baptist Convention (VBSC), Tidewater Peninsula Pastors, Coalition of Concerned Clergy and InTouch Community Development Corporation to help victims of Hurricane Helene.

Up until Oct. 17, people will be able to donate needed supplies at several drop-off locations throughout Virginia in order to help those in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee impacted by Hurricane Helene. Drop-off locations can be found below:


“We are going to send some supplies, Hurricane Helene has been devastating, many lives have been lost and many houses and businesses were totally destroyed,” Dr. Maxwell said. “I always want to make sure we take care of people whenever we can. We could just send money, and that’s what we do. We send some money. But it makes people feel good when they come load up the truck and send it out.”

A list of needed supplies can be found below:

  • Water – cases of bottle water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
  • Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food (complete food list below)
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and NOAA Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Extra batteries
  • Backpacks
  • A small bag to carry items
  • Small bag to carry pads/tampons
  • Lip balm
  • Deodorant
  • Lotion
  • Hand sanitizer and soap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Pampers, baby diapers
  • Clothes, pillows and blankets
  • Can opener

A more specific food list can also be found below:

  • Peanut butter
  • Whole wheat crackers
  • Nuts and trail mix
  • Cereal
  • Power bars and granola bars
  • Dried fruit
  • Canned meat – tuna, salmon, chicken and turkey
  • Canned vegetables – beans, carrots and peas
  • Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables
  • Protein or fruit bars
  • Dry cereal or granola
  • Canned juices
  • Non-perishable pasteurized milk
  • High energy foods
  • Cup Noodles, Ramen Noodles
  • Tea and coffee
  • Powdered milk
  • Coconut oil, Olive oil
  • Dried herbs and spices
  • Instant potatoes
  • Spam
  • Baby food
  • Snacks
  • Ice and ice coolers

For more information, visit the VBSC’s Facebook page here.