A tattered American flag flaps outside a home as furniture and household items damaged by Hurricane Helene flooding sit piled along the street awaiting pickup, ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island, Fla., Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)

CHENANGO COUNTY — The generosity and caring spirit of Chenango County and the surrounding areas was evident earlier this month as local residents came together to support those affected by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in North Carolina on September 26 as a Category 4 hurricane. According to the National Weather Service, a Category 4 hurricane is considered a major hurricane, and can be devastating from dangerous winds ranging from 130 to 156 miles per hour.

As a result of the storm, North Carolina experienced flooding; landslides; loss of electricity, internet, and cell phone service; downed trees; damage to buildings and homes, with some being destroyed completely; collapsed bridges; and more.

Local residents began collecting donations and bringing them to Plane Leather Repair, located at the Lt. Warren E. Eaton Airport at 6390 State Highway 12 in Norwich, to be delivered to Asheville, NC.

Overall, two trips were made to Asheville, with an estimated $25,000 worth of items donated. The Chenango County and surrounding communities donated approximately 146 cases of water, over 700 pounds of dog and cat food, diapers, toilet paper, paper towels, medical and first aid supplies, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and more.

According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Hurricane Helene caused an estimated $53 billion in damage. As of Friday, October 25, around 4,200 people in North Carolina were still without power, which was down from the peak of around one million, many roads were still closed, and 98 storm-related deaths had been reported, with the number expected to rise.

Those who would like to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund for hurricane relief can do so at pay.payitgov.com/ncdonations.