In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Samaritan's Purse remains at the forefront of North Carolina's relief efforts.

Americans are encouraged by Edward Graham to volunteer and pray for storm survivors: "A lot of work remains."

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Samaritan's Purse remains at the forefront of North Carolina's relief efforts.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Samaritan's Purse remains at the forefront of North Carolina's relief efforts.

In North Carolina, Samaritan's Purse continues to intensify its aid efforts for Hurricane Helene victims.

Edward Graham, COO of Samaritan's Purse and an Army veteran, advises Americans to pray following storms such as Helene and Milton, as shared in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital.

Prayer is the greatest need for western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, as stated by him.

On the ground, Samaritan's Purse is doing more than just sharing the gospel with its teams of "orange shirts" volunteers.

The largest civilian airlift operation in U.S. history was coordinated by Samaritan's Purse to alleviate the effects of Hurricane Helene, with 210 emergency supply missions completed as per an Oct. 11 release.

Graham and his family, including his wife, sons, and daughter, reside in Boone, North Carolina. Their community was affected by Helene, and Franklin Graham, the president of Samaritan's Purse and the grandson of Rev. Billy Graham, also experienced power and heat loss.

Edward Graham
Samaritan's Purse, based in Boone, N.C., got hit by Hurricane Helene in its own backyard last month. (Planet Chronicle Digital)

Graham's experience in the cold has inspired the continued efforts to provide generators and heaters to North Carolinians during the winter.

Since 2000, Hurricane Helene, which hit Florida on Sept. 26, is the second-deadliest storm to strike the U.S. mainland, surpassed only by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reports that 42 storm-related fatalities have occurred in Buncombe County, with a total of 95 verified deaths in the state so far.

The hurricane's aftermath and the people it affected are no longer receiving as much national attention with the presidential election approaching.

"The former president and the vice president won't solve the problems of North Carolina people, according to Graham. He urged Planet Chronicle Digital viewers to pray and volunteer through SamaritansPurse.org to help change the situation in North Carolina."

Samaritan's Purse volunteers praying
Samaritan's Purse volunteers have brought emergency supplies and the gospel to those in need across North Carolina and Tennessee after Hurricane Helene. (Courtesy of Samaritan's Purse)

Most of Samaritan's Purse's relief missions take off from an airfield located in Boone.

"The Rev. Franklin Graham stated in a news release that the unprecedented cooperation among people to aid those affected by Hurricane Helene is a testament to what can be achieved when people work together. He added, "This is nothing short of a miracle, and we give God the glory.""

Emergency supplies unloaded from helicopter
Samaritan's Purse is behind the largest civilian airlift operation in American history, delivering needed supplies across hurricane-hit North Carolina and beyond. (Courtesy of Samaritan's Purse)

Edward Graham: "Please, don't divert your focus from this task. There's a lot of work to be done. If you truly want to assist, I require volunteers for a long-term commitment."

"He stated that he requires volunteers to show up in January, December, and November, during the cold holiday season when families are gathered together, but he emphasized that he is particularly in need of volunteers in western North Carolina."

Samaritan's Purse volunteers are assisting victims affected by both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida.

by Jasmine Baehr

lifestyle

Drinkers may be encouraged to explore alternative beverages due to the link between alcohol use and cancer.

Drinkers may be encouraged to explore alternative beverages due to the link between alcohol use and cancer.

lifestyle
In a Roman grave, archaeologists unearth a 1,600-pound coffin containing unusual items: 'An exceptional discovery'

In a Roman grave, archaeologists unearth a 1,600-pound coffin containing unusual items: 'An exceptional discovery'

lifestyle
10 Tips for Keeping Your Dorm Room Tidy

10 Tips for Keeping Your Dorm Room Tidy

lifestyle
Archaeologists are baffled by the discovery of a hoard of ancient Roman coins: 'Extremely rare'

Archaeologists are baffled by the discovery of a hoard of ancient Roman coins: 'Extremely rare'

lifestyle
Nuclear plant site uncovers 1,000-year-old treasure: 'Remarkable discovery'

Nuclear plant site uncovers 1,000-year-old treasure: 'Remarkable discovery'

lifestyle
Enhance your indoor air quality with these 9 effective products.

Enhance your indoor air quality with these 9 effective products.

lifestyle
TSA Red Flags: Everyday Behaviors by Flight Passengers

TSA Red Flags: Everyday Behaviors by Flight Passengers

lifestyle
During a flag retreat ceremony at Disney's Magic Kingdom, a 100-year-old WWII veteran was honored.

During a flag retreat ceremony at Disney's Magic Kingdom, a 100-year-old WWII veteran was honored.

lifestyle
The founder of LA Dream Center is providing aid to homeless individuals during the wildfires in California by accepting donations and offering housing.

The founder of LA Dream Center is providing aid to homeless individuals during the wildfires in California by accepting donations and offering housing.

lifestyle
Nine supplements to start the New Year with improved health.

Nine supplements to start the New Year with improved health.

lifestyle
The baptism of Jesus unveils 4 crucial aspects of his identity and purpose.

The baptism of Jesus unveils 4 crucial aspects of his identity and purpose.

lifestyle
Achieve your New Year's health objectives with these Walmart picks.

Achieve your New Year's health objectives with these Walmart picks.

lifestyle
6 Black-owned businesses that deserve your support

6 Black-owned businesses that deserve your support

lifestyle
Boost your self-care routine with Walmart's celebrity-approved wellness products

Boost your self-care routine with Walmart's celebrity-approved wellness products

lifestyle
After 2025, Girl Scouts will discontinue these cookie flavors.

After 2025, Girl Scouts will discontinue these cookie flavors.

lifestyle
Hosting a party on Inauguration Day: How to do it right

Hosting a party on Inauguration Day: How to do it right

lifestyle
In Viking graves, a 1200-year-old treasure and an unusual Christian artifact are discovered by metal detectorists.

In Viking graves, a 1200-year-old treasure and an unusual Christian artifact are discovered by metal detectorists.

lifestyle
Building a Wardrobe: 10 Essentials for Amazon's Winter Sale

Building a Wardrobe: 10 Essentials for Amazon's Winter Sale

lifestyle