River to River Relief | Columbus, GA Launches Resource Drive to Support Asheville Amid Crisis

Update as of 10.4.2024

Columbus Rallies for Western North Carolina: A River-to-River Relief Effort

To the incredible people of Columbus, GA:

Your overwhelming outpouring of love and generosity for the people of Western North Carolina has made a tremendous impact. We are thrilled to share that thanks to your donations, our River to River Relief efforts have taken flight—literally. Thanks to First Baptist Church and Angel Flight, there are now five planes making daily runs to the hardest-hit areas. By air, they are able to reach those who need help most, faster and more efficiently.

Updates from the Ground

Since launching this relief effort, we’ve learned a great deal about the best ways to support the recovery:

Generosity Abounds – The generosity from the Columbus area and beyond has been incredible. While donations continue to pour in, we’ve recognized that managing the flow of supplies is key. We will be making regular trips to Western North Carolina over the coming weeks, ensuring a steady and manageable stream of supplies reaches distribution centers when they need it most.

Information Evolves Quickly – In a situation that changes daily, patience and grace are crucial. As needs and information shift, flexibility is essential. We appreciate your understanding and encourage continued kindness towards those coordinating this effort.

Long-Term Support Is Essential – Western North Carolina will need ongoing help. In the short term, we ask you to keep the donations coming—both material goods and financial support are critical. We're in this for the long haul, and your generosity will make a lasting difference.

Ways You Can Continue to Help

Financial Support: Monetary donations are highly effective, allowing us to quickly purchase and transport the most-needed supplies. Here are three trusted nonprofits with boots on the ground:

Small Business Support through the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Check the box marked “Mountain Strong Fund”

List Asheville Downtown Association as “Organization Name”

Support AVL Creatives through Arts AVL

List Asheville Downtown Association in the Comments

Boots on the Ground Impact through Manna Food Bank

Designate your donation > Part of a food drive > Asheville Downtown Association

Shop Asheville from Afar: Downtown Asheville is home to mostly local independent businesses, many of which were spared physical damage but remain closed due to having no access to water and travel restrictions. October is typically their most profitable month,October is their most financially critical month, providing the revenue that supports their operations throughout the rest of the year. We are compiling a list of businesses that have online shops and shipping capabilities. Please consider buying your holiday gifts and more from them—your support will help keep employees paid and businesses afloat during this critical time.Here are a few Downtown Asheville favorites who are ready to ship inventory to get you started:

Lexington Glassworks

Spice Walla

Poppy Popcorn

East Fork Pottery

Fox and Beaux Boutique

Follow @avldowntown or visit www.ashevilledowntown.org for an updated list of local, independent businesses that are ready to serve you.

Updated Needs List and Places to Donate

Columbus Convention and Trade Center

801 Front Avenue | Columbus, GA

Now Thru October 25 | 8am - 4pm daily

Columbus Airport | Flight Ways Building

3250 W Britt David Road | Columbus, GA

9am - 12pm Monday - Saturday

Needed Items

In addition to the critical supplies we've been collecting, we now have a few updated items urgently needed in the region. It’s so important to donate specific items that can be used immediately due to the lack of space at the distribution centers. Here is a list of items that can be deployed immediately.

• Large Tarps

• Buckets with lids

• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) including masks, gloves, and goggles

• Batteries

• Body wipes

• Nutritional, shelf-stable meals that are ready to eat, such as:

  • Packaged meal kits (e.g., MREs, canned chicken, tuna packets, etc.)

  • Ready-to-eat soups, stews, or meals in pull-tab cans

  • High-protein shakes and snacks

Thank you

The number of Columbus Area businesses and individuals stepping up to support this effort has been nothing short of remarkable. Their generosity has played a critical role in getting resources where they’re needed most. We hope you'll show these businesses as much love as they’ve shown to Western North Carolina.

While it’s impossible to list every business involved, here are just a few that have made significant contributions to the relief efforts:

• Phyxx Salon

• The Branch Church (Cataula)

• First Baptist Church

• Angel Flight

• Columbus Convention and Trade Center

• Uptown Columbus

• Richard and Dorris Bishop

• Country’s BBQ

• Whitewater Express

• Three Dogs Bakery

• Waterbox

• Two Men and a Truck

• Columbus Body Works North

• Tuffy’s Towing

This list is not, and could never be, complete. The wave of support has been overwhelming, and we want to thank each and every business for their commitment to this cause.

Looking Forward:

The road to recovery is long, but thanks to your kindness, Western North Carolina is receiving the help it so desperately needs. With your continued support, we will ensure a steady supply of essentials reaches the region.

We extend our deepest gratitude for the love Columbus has shown. Together, we are making a lasting impact—from river to river.

Columbus, GA Launches Resource Drive to Support Asheville Amid Crisis

Monday, September 30

As Asheville faces ongoing challenges with water and power outages, Columbus, GA has stepped up to help. A resource drive is underway in Columbus, spearheaded by Hayden Plemmons, a Columbus native and the Executive Director of the Asheville Downtown Association. This initiative aims to gather much-needed supplies to aid Asheville residents as the city works through the aftermath of recent destruction.

The drive is focusing on critical items like water (both jugs and bottles), propane, batteries, and body wipes, with donations of cat and dog food being a helpful bonus for pet owners in need. Clothing donations are not being accepted at this time, as the focus remains on urgent essentials.

Hayden shared, “Both Columbus and Asheville are river cities with strong whitewater communities, and we’re coming together in a show of solidarity. The goal is to fill trucks and trailers with supplies and make regular trips from Columbus to Asheville to ensure folks have what they need while recovery continues.”

Columbus residents are encouraged to bring their donations to the designated collection points to contribute to the effort. With water and power likely to be out for weeks, these supplies are critical to ensuring the well-being of Asheville residents.

For updates on donation drop-off locations, collection times, and ways to get involved, follow  on social media. Your help is greatly appreciated as we work together, river to river, to support the Asheville community in its time of need.

For media inquiries or to find out how you can participate, please contact hayden@ashevilledowntown.org.