GREENFIELD – Those who wish to send supplies to hurricane-ravaged parts of North Carolina can still do so through mid-November.
Disciples of J.O.Y. – which stands for Jesus, Others, Yourself – is collecting items to be delivered to residents of Asheville, N.C.
Organizer Jim Snellenberger said the group is requesting supplies from a list provided by the Buncombe County sheriff.
“Disciples of J.O.Y. and about 40 or more disaster relief organizations are all trying to bring disaster survivors back to their new normal, whatever that may be for them in the future,” Snellenberger said.
Many families lost everything they owned in the most recent round of hurricanes, he said, and some in the area have already had the first snow of winter.
Historic flooding wiped out much of the area’s infrastructure, and have caused catastrophic flash flooding and landslides in the Southern Appalachians, including in western North Carolina.
Communities around the country – including Hancock County – have already sent supplies and manpower to help the affected areas, but the need continues.
“If people have already donated, we’re asking that they donate again,” said Snellenberger, who has been reaching out to local churches, civic organizations and individuals and has established three Greenfield collection points : Gateway Park (6189 W. John L. Modglin Drive); Riley Park Tire (801 E. Main St.); Pride Investment Partners (2700 W. Main St.).
Snellenberger said supplies will be driven to Asheville after the collection period ends Nov. 17.
The Greenfield man has helped coordinate a number of disaster relief efforts over the years.
In 2022 he did so for flood victims in eastern Kentucky and central Appalachia, where 39 people were killed and 5,400 homes were lost due to a 1,000 Year Flood. After delivering supplies, his group returned several weeks later to help rebuild two libraries that had been destroyed.
Last year Disciples of J.O.Y. hosted a fundraiser to stock four or five warehouses throughout the state with enough bottled water, clothing and tools to deliver wherever it is needed at a moment’s notice.
“I want to make this a one-stop shop for disaster relief,” Snellenberger said last summer.
Disciples of J.O.Y. is a partner of Hancock County COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) and a member of the Indiana VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster).
For more information, email [email protected] or visit disciplesofjoy.org online.
Following is a list of supplies needed in Asheville, N.C.:
Water
Plastic buckets with handle
Bristle scrubbers
Sponges
Mops
Brooms
Long handle squeegees
Work gloves
Baby Formula
Diapers
Canned pet food
Ready to eat food in sturdy packaging
Portable Electric Lanterns
Trash Bags
Toilet Paper
Plastic silverware/paper plates
Tarps of any size
Mops
Fiber Lock (Shockwave) … not bleach
Mops
Solar generators
Kerosene heaters and fuel
Flashlights and lanterns with batteries
Scoop shovels
Iron rakes
Muck boots size M-XL
Rubber coated cotton gloves size M-XL
Rags (from old sheets, towels, clothing, etc.)
Chainsaw supplies-bar oil, fuel oil mix 50/1
Box fans
Stihl chains 16”-18” -20”,
Milwaukee brand M-18 batteries
Toiletries
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
