South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Donald Trump Jr. joined Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse in an effort to airlift warm clothing to Hurricane Helene-torn North Carolina. Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian disaster relief and evangelism organization, has been working in North Carolina since Hurricane Helene hit in late September. The organization donated over 1,200 articles of winter clothing to storm-torn survivors in western North Carolina, including winter jackets, fleece sweaters, and pants. The efforts were made possible by donations from individuals and businesses in California.
High-elevation regions in western North Carolina have been hit especially hard by the hurricane, and freezing temperatures are approaching. Edward Graham, Franklin Graham’s son and COO of Samaritan’s Purse, emphasized the ongoing need for volunteers to help with relief efforts in the region. Samaritan’s Purse volunteers, known as “Orange Shirts,” have been assisting affected families by removing mud from flooded homes, clearing debris, and tarping damaged roofs. The organization has also conducted a significant airlift operation to deliver emergency supplies to communities in need.
Samaritan’s Purse’s relief efforts have included providing water filtration systems in North Carolina, as well as distributing generators, heaters, fuel, blankets, solar lights, food, and bottled water to hurricane survivors. Rev. Franklin Graham expressed gratitude for the efforts of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Donald Trump Jr., and other donors who supported the airlifting of warm clothing to those affected by the hurricane. The organization has also deployed Disaster Relief Units to various locations to provide assistance.
Samaritan’s Purse has provided winter clothing and other essential supplies to thousands of individuals in North Carolina and Tennessee. The organization continues to work in areas severely impacted by Hurricane Helene, including Asheville, Boone, Burnsville in North Carolina, as well as Perry and Tampa in Florida, and Valdosta, Georgia. As of Oct. 30, there have been 101 reported hurricane-related deaths in North Carolina, contributing to a total of 229 deaths across seven states.
Rev. Franklin Graham expressed appreciation for the support and assistance provided by Governor Noem, Donald Trump Jr., and others who have helped in the relief efforts. The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has left many communities in need of ongoing assistance, and volunteers are crucial to helping those affected. Samaritan’s Purse remains committed to providing aid and support to the individuals and families impacted by the hurricane, emphasizing the importance of continued awareness and efforts to address the long-term recovery needs in the region.
