GSCP2P members are invited to join in the weekend of November 22-24, 2024 by assisting with a variety of volunteer opportunities and donation drives focused on hurricane relief efforts. If you choose to participate at any time during that weekend, please complete this form sharing what you did and get a FREE patch!
While we have generated a list below of organizations to support and donations to send, this is not a complete list and there are, of course, many other opportunities available depending on where you live.
DONATE ITEMS: All donations requested below can be dropped off Saturday, November 23 at any of the four council service centers between 10 a.m. and 12 noon or Monday, November 25 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- The Girl Scouts of Polk County are planning a free holiday party for Girl Scouts and their families who were so heavily impacted by the storm. Items needed:
- New toys and games for kids of all ages
- The Salvation Army of Gaston is collecting new “cold weather items” for displaced families in shelters in central and western NC. Items needed:
- Sleeping bags
- Blankets
- Mittens
- Hats
- Scarves
- GSCP2P is collecting cleaning supplies for families in WNC to make their homes clean and safe again. With these items in such high demand, it can be difficult for families to find cleaning supplies at their local stores. Items needed:
- Pine Sol
- Laundry Detergent
- Dryer Sheets
- Disinfectant wipes
- Dish soap
- BeLoved Asheville has a network of Street Pantries. Girl Scout Troops or families can adopt a street pantry and fill it with donated items, including blankets. The Street Pantries are located throughout Buncombe County and provide easy 24/7 access to supplies near where people live, gather or camp. Get more information here for the Adopt a Street Pantry project.
- GSCP2P has also created an Amazon Wish List for anyone who would like to assist in providing/sending cleaning supplies for WNC families as well as replacing basic troop and Service Unit items for troops in central and western NC. Click here to view that list. All items will be shipped directly to the Asheville Service Center and our engagement team will work to distribute as needs arise.
DONATE FINANCIALLY: Girl Scouts of the USA has lifted the fundraising ban for Girl Scouts when supporting Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Here are a few places you can donate that will make a difference.
- One P2P: Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont has established the One P2P Fund to support our staff, Girl Scouts and volunteers. This campaign will provide staff relief, membership and troop support as well as uniform replacement for the GSCP2P council. Distribution decisions will be made by the Fund Development Committee, which includes Board members, staff and volunteers. Click here to donate.
- Mailbox Angels: Former GSCP2P staff member and current Boone postal worker, Christine Ritch, has created the Mailbox Angel campaign to replace much needed mailboxes for homes affected by Hurricane Helene. Without a mailbox, families can’t receive medicine, medical supplies, care packages, flood relief information and everyday mail and packages. Click here for more information and to donate.
- Continue to support these authorized and vetted organizations listed here on our blog.
DONATE YOUR TIME: Many organizations in our council’s footprint and continuing to use volunteers to support their work. You are encouraged to gather a group together and reach out to any of the organizations below if you are interested in helping with relief efforts.
- Make and send cards: Everyone loves receiving mail! Whether its words of encouragement to those who have been displaced or words of thanks to our first responders, power company employees, internet providers, etc., cards are always welcome. Mail any cards to our Asheville Service Center or drop off at any service center on Saturday, November 23 from 10 a.m. to noon. And they will be shared with recipients in time for Thanksgiving.
- The Appalachian Disaster Coalition is requesting volunteers Monday-Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of the year sorting donations at their Hickory location. Click here for more information or reach out to Bradley at bradleylovesburnsville@gmail.com to arrange your visit.
- Visit this page here that contains an interactive and updated list of places to volunteer. You will need to scroll through the Volunteer Detail Report below to find the information and make contact with the center as noted. We encourage all groups to research each group before volunteering and ensure that activity is age appropriate.
Blog 