October 9, 2024
Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage across the Southeast, with western North Carolina being among the most heavily impacted regions.
In response to the devastation, Albemarle and the Albemarle Foundation have initiated several relief efforts to assist the communities in Cleveland County and the broader western North Carolina area. We’ve partnered with local organizations, including the Kings Mountain Family YMCA, the City of Kings Mountain, and the Grover Volunteer Fire Department, to offer generator use and distribute essentials. The Kings Mountain Family YMCA opened its doors to more than 600 people over three days, offering hot showers, coffee, phone charging stations and childcare. Residents from surrounding areas, including Asheville and Morganton, have been welcomed.
“YMCA extends heartfelt gratitude to Albemarle for their incredible support of our community through volunteering, donations, and engagement throughout the year. The moment our YMCA regained power and reopened, they reached out to see what we needed. Within just a couple of hours, they provided us with essential supplies and a phone charging station. It was truly remarkable and a blessing during a critical time,” said Kevin Osborne, vice president of Cleveland County Family YMCA.
In addition, Albemarle’s employees in Charlotte are conducting canned food drives for the Kings Mountain Crisis Ministry, as well as supply and blood drives to support residents across western North Carolina. In the first week over 250 canned good items were donated.
Albemarle is also proud to announce that we have joined the American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program, a select group of leading corporations that provide the highest level of support to American Red Cross preparedness and relief efforts. Through the Disaster Responder Program, Albemarle is helping the Red Cross be ready before disasters strike, enabling the organization to spring into action with much needed assistance to help individuals and families in their times of greatest need. Currently, the American Red Cross has nearly 500 disaster workers on the ground helping victims of Hurricane Helene, with hundreds more workers on their way.
“As extreme weather events increase in frequency and intensity, we continue to count on forward-thinking disaster responder members like Albemarle to help power our preparedness and relief efforts,” said Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross.
Additionally, Albemarle continues to offer emergency financial assistance to employees impacted by disasters or personal hardships through a fund.
We are proud to stand alongside the City of Kings Mountain and our non-profit partners as we work together to support the community during this challenging time. Through collaboration and the strength of our shared efforts, we remain confident that our resilient community will emerge stronger than ever.