Following the tragic destruction caused by Hurricane Helene in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, Simpson Strong-Tie is donating $25,000 to the American Red Cross to support the organization’s disaster relief efforts in affected areas. In addition, the company’s Southeastern branch is donating an additional $5,000 to North Carolina-based relief organization Samaritan’s Purse.
Labeled as the deadliest hurricane to hit the United States since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hurricane Helene slammed Florida’s Gulf Coast and panhandle before devastating towns in Georgia, western North Carolina and South Carolina, and eastern Tennessee. Sadly, hundreds of people lost their lives, many are still unaccounted for, and an overwhelming number of homes and businesses were destroyed.
The American Red Cross has deployed more than 1,200 volunteers across the southeastern US, providing shelter, meals and emotional support to displaced residents. The organization also is providing reunification services; as of October 2, its team had received more than 3,000 reunification requests.
Samaritan’s Purse is an international relief organization headquartered in Boone, North Carolina, one of the areas directly impacted by Hurricane Helene. The group deployed an on-the-ground response, including helping to clear trees and debris, setting up a field hospital and coordinating air relief to deliver basic necessities, among other support. Along with the monetary donation, several Simpson Strong-Tie employees in the region helped Samaritan’s Purse with debris cleanup.
“The destruction facing Americans throughout the South is absolutely heartbreaking, and our thoughts remain with them,” said Simpson Strong-Tie President and CEO Mike Olosky. “We’re grateful to the Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse and all of their volunteers for their ongoing efforts, and we will continue to support their work helping those impacted by Hurricane Helene.”
This contribution reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to aid in disaster relief and recovery efforts around the world. To donate, visit redcross.org and samaritanspurse.org.