GLEN ALLEN, Va. — The impacts of Hurricane Helene continue to be felt across the Commonwealth, particularly in southwest Virginia, where hundreds of people lost their homes and farms were destroyed. Six weeks after the storm, efforts to help those still struggling continue.

A group of central Virginians are working to help those affected by the hurricane.

Staff at Glen Allen Supermarket, located at 3007 Mountain Road, teamed up with community member Sam Toby to gather essential winter resources for residents of Southwest Virginia.

“These are people’s livelihoods and even a small loss means a lot to people in rural areas,” Toby said.

Hélène caused extensive damage, sweeping away homes, leaving businesses unrecognizable and devastating much of the area’s farmland.

Toby, who has friends in Washington County, Virginia, says they are still dealing with the storm’s aftermath.

As winter approaches, Toby is asking the Central Virginia community to donate items to help provide relief.

“It gets colder there a lot faster than the rest of Virginia,” he said. “It’s important to be there for them and help them get their footing.”

WTVR

It collects warm weather gear, blankets, propane, gas stoves and practical items such as batteries, brooms, mops, canned goods, pet food, cat litter, produce feminine hygiene and shovels.

The Glen Allen Supermarket staff, no stranger to community support, is confident that Central Virginians will come together to help their fellow Virginians in need.

“As a Virginian, I think you support your neighbors, whether they are near or far,” Toby said. “Being there for your neighbors is something that’s really important to us.”

Donations can be dropped off at the Glen Allen supermarket until Thursday, November 14.

CBS 6 is committed to sharing community voices on this important topic. Email your thoughts to the CBS 6 Newsroom.

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