Burke County officials provide an update on Helene's recovery efforts

Burke County continues to recover from the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Helene. Additional resources continue to arrive in the county daily, according to an update from Public Information Officer Chris White.

On Wednesday, Commissioner Randy Burns and Public Information Officer White visited
many affected families throughout the district. They found a family that had run out of food and water. They drove to the Longtown Fire Department distribution point and picked up prepared meals and drinking water.

The American Red Cross continues to operate the Oak Hill United Methodist Church shelter. For current accommodation information, visit the Red Cross website. The Burke County donation drop-off or pick-up location is the Foothills Higher Education Center at 2128 South Sterling Street in Morganton. You can drop off your supplies daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pickup time is 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily or until supplies run out.

The following donated items are most needed in Burke County: clothing, toiletries, water, batteries, non-perishable food, paper towels, brooms, mops, gallon containers of Clorox and other cleaning supplies. There are five distribution locations: George Hildebran Fire & Rescue, Longtown Fire Department, Enola Fire Department, Brendletown Fire & Rescue, Station 1 and Jonas Ridge Fire Department.

For updates, visit the Burke County website www.burkenc.org or visit