A Message From the CEO
Dear GSCP2P Family:
Our hearts are hurting for our central and western NC communities. While most of our council’s 40 counties were impacted in some way last week by Hurricane Helene, 25 of our counties (housing over 4,000 of our girl members) have experienced devastation beyond comprehension.
Since the hurricane, we have received numerous phone calls, e-mails and social media messages asking how our staff are doing, how camps are doing and how you can help.
All GSCP2P staff have been accounted for and are safe, though many are without power (with no predicted date of return) and several are in areas cut off from travel. We are working to ensure all are connected to networks in their communities to ensure they receive the immediate support they need.
We were able to have team members living near Camp Pisgah and Camp Ginger Cascades send us initial reports of the status of camp. While both camps have suffered significant damage, this damage can and will be repaired over the next several months. Until such repairs are completed, these camps will be closed for operation. We anticipate reopening these camps on or about April 1, 2025, for spring and summer camp programs. If you have a current reservation at Camp Pisgah or Camp Ginger Cascades, a team member will be contacting you directly with information on rescheduling your visit for the spring or issuing refunds.
We are working to get an update from our landlord for the Asheville Service Center on the status of that building but cell service is very limited in Buncombe County. For now, we have closed the Asheville Service Center and Shop through the end of this week and will assess reopening again at the end of the week.
We have found a list of vetted organizations below that can use your donations to do quick and critical work in the coming days, weeks and months. Donating money to these organizations helps increase their abilities and reach. While donating supplies is helpful, many organizations are currently requesting funds first, to help meet immediate, basic needs and until they figure out exactly what supplies will be most needed.
American Red Cross donation page
Baptists on Mission donation page
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Rapid Response Team
Church World Service Hurricane Helene Emergency Response
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
Community Organized Relief Effort
Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders
Hearts with Hands disaster relief
Homeward Bound Homelessness Relief Buncombe County
International Disaster Emergency Service
MANNA Food Bank Asheville donation page
National Emergency Child Care Network
North Carolina Community Foundation (Volunteer NC)
North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund
Operation Airdrop Hurricane Helene Relief
Operation Blessing International
Rise Disaster Relief & Recovery
Salvation Army Hurricane Helene Relief donation page
United Church of Christ Southern Conference
United Methodist Church – North Carolina Conference
United Way North Carolina Helene Recovery fundraiser
If you are having trouble getting in touch with loved ones in western North Carolina, the American Red Cross recommends calling (800) RED CROSS, selecting “disaster” following the prompts for Helene/NC, and giving as much information as possible to assist the organization in potentially locating your missing loved one.
And finally, if you are one of the families who has been impacted by this storm and its aftermath, please know we are sending thoughts and prayers, and we will be standing beside you through this time. Your Girl Scout family is here, and we are all Girl Scout strong.
Jennifer Wilcox, CEO
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