Heat for Helene Survivors in North Carolina

There is an immediate need for propane cooking stoves and propane tanks in Western North Carolina. Nearly two weeks after the storm, we still have thousands of people without power, potable water, cell or internet. Officials say it could be many more weeks before these things are restored to everyone, and months before rebuilding can begin.

Thousands of families are camping out at their homes or other places and many are still stranded in their mountain homes with no to leave or get access to help. Supplies are literally being tossed across broken roadways, rivers or dropped by helicopter to reach people with no way in or out. Survivors are cooking over open camp fires and using them for warmth.

The weather is turning cold and people are also without heat. Our local Emergency Services Department said that Government agencies, non-profits and locals have gathered enough food and household supplies for now, but said there is an IMMEDIATE NEED for propane stoves and propane tanks.

They also report that FEMA and emergency crews are still needed to focus on saving lives, restoring local infrastructure and power, clearing and fixing roads and removing debris. All of this must be done before they can help with the next phase of recovery. Local authorities say that any assistance the community can give, takes some of the burden off of these agencies so they can do their jobs.

Another problem we face is that there are no cook stoves, propane tanks or heating devices available in Western North Carolina. Therefore, we have to order them or procure them from far away. That's why we need funds now so we can get these to the people that need them as soon as possible. Cooking units average about $100/each and propane tanks are about $60. If we raise, $16,000, we will be able to purchase 100 units. This isn't nearly as many as needed but it will help.

The Heat for Helene Survivors GoFundMe will raise money for the IMMEDIATE purchase of propane cook stops, propane tanks and outdoor heating devices. The more money we raise, the more we can buy. And that amount, our friends, is up to you.

We will use every dollar as soon as it comes in, to get heating units and supplies into the hands of the people who need them as soon as possible. We have already purchased some but we need more. They will be distributed throughout several counties in Western North Carolina.

This fundraiser was created by Becky and Lowell Zelinski. We moved from Paso Robles, California to Waynesville, North Carolina. We are experiencing the devastation that Hurricane Helene has wreaked upon Western North Carolina (known locally as WNC), near Asheville. We are very fortunate in that we didn't suffer any damages or loss but we are just a few of the lucky ones. Many people have lost everything, including the towns they lived and worked in. Western North Carolina will never be the same. It is absolutely heartbreaking. Words cannot adequately describe what we are seeing and hearing.

We are volunteering , donating and doing everything we can to help these communities. But we can only do so much, which is why we are asking our friends and family to support relief efforts by donated to our GoFundMe for Heat for Helene Survivors. We also ask that you share it with your friends and family.

We will post updates here and on Facebook. In the meantime, please give whatever you can and please pass this along and ask your friends and family to the same.

Thank you very much for you support.

Becky and Lowell Zelinski