The Board of Lake Toxaway Charities (LTC) wants you to know the following as of 10/07/2024.
Not-for-profit organizations in our region are doing important work after Helene. We know that these organizations will have both short-term and long-term needs. In the short-term, Lake Toxaway Charities will be focusing on assisting with food and water distribution, shelter and comfort. Our immediate grants will provide emergency relief services to individuals and families through our already established network of support agencies in Transylvania County. These grants are not intended to cover ongoing operations expenses nor will they replace funding available from other sources. Eligibility for disaster relief grants is being evaluated by our Grant team.
Through our due diligence, we have learned that the 501-c-3 agencies we support have had their hands full. Visits and phone calls have shown us that management, staff, and their volunteers are in shock at the vastness of the effort to coordinate relief. As we are in the process of learning about their needs, they are also in the process of learning about the needs of their recipients. To add to this challenge, they are all coping with the stresses they have personally experienced.
It is difficult for all of us to predict future needs and requests. We want to provide this update to you, but we want to emphasize the moving target that is providing appropriate assistance.
As of this date, just over a week since the storm began, we are in the process of distributing funds for clear and important short-term needs to approximately 7 agencies. Examples of these needs are food, diapers, medical and cleaning supplies, clothing, hot water for showers, gas, and prepared meals in environments where people can commune, share their stories, and let their children play.
As usual, our Lake Toxaway community has been extremely generous in providing funds. At this time we ask that no more monetary donations be sent as we work with our agencies to determine both the short-term and long-term needs. Thank you for your incredibly substantial donations. As always, we want to be efficient and impactful in our efforts. We will be sure to let you know if funds for longer term needs such as housing and rebuilding become evident.
In tandem with financial needs, manpower is much needed and encouraged. Please consider volunteering within the community! Visit our website at www.laketoxawaycharities.org for more information.
We understand and deeply appreciate the hardship the storm has brought to our own Lake Toxaway community. It makes the response and generosity of our community even more impressive.
The Board of Lake Toxaway Charities
Chip Brown, Jenny Renfroe, Gary Sperduto, and Carroll Summerour