Carolina Law Student Organizations Unite for Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

October 4, 2024

In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on Western North Carolina, student organizations at UNC School of Law have swiftly mobilized to provide support and relief. Black Law Students Association (BLSA), Asian American Law Students Association (AALSA), Hispanic/Latino Law Students Association (HLLSA), and OutLaw have joined forces to organize a supply drive in partnership with the Durham Rescue Mission. 

“As they so often do, our students and student organizations are embodying leadership and public service,” said David R. Wright, assistant dean for student development. “The collaborative effort of these student organizations is a terrific example of the outstanding character and spirit of our student body and the Carolina Law community.” 

Aleah Wordsworth 2L, president of BLSA, spearheaded the initiative. 

“After seeing the devastation that occurred in Western North Carolina last weekend, I was heartbroken,” Wordsworth said. “With so many people suffering, I figured that a collaborative effort between BLSA, AALSA, HLLSA, and Outlaw would be a powerful effort in addressing the needs of those impacted by Hurricane Helene.” 

The supply drive began on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, with collection boxes placed on the fifth floor near Fredia Banks-Marsh’s office and on the fourth floor near the student lockers. The drive will continue as long as donations are received, and the need persists. 

Joshua Jacobs 3L, president of the Student Bar Association, spoke about the effort. 

“Service and community have always been a focal point of the Carolina Way,” Jacobs said. “As Western North Carolina continues to struggle in the wake of the devastation left by Hurricane Helene, our students continue to demonstrate their commitment to service and aid to communities in need.” 

The relief effort also resonates with the goals of other student organizations. 2Ls Lynne Imamura and Sabrina Callahan, co-presidents of HLLSA, saw this as an opportunity to fulfill their organization’s mission. 

“We had a vision this year as the presidents of HLLSA to uplift, protect, and support our fellow Latines in the state,” Imamura said. “Many of our members are from here, and we want to show up for Western North Carolina. This drive is about supporting communities during a time of need, which is something that connects all of our organizations.” 

How you can help:

1. Donate supplies at the designated collection boxes in the law school building. Needed items include: 

Students filling the collection box near Fredia Banks-Marsh’s office
  • First aid supplies 
  • Non-perishable foods (especially pop-top canned foods and children’s snacks) 
  • Personal hygiene items (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, feminine hygiene products) 
  • Water and hydration supplies (Gatorade, hydration powder) 
  • Cleaning supplies (nitrile gloves, brooms, bleach, apple cider vinegar) 
  • Baby supplies (diapers, baby wipes) 
  • Other essentials (box fans, earplugs, mosquito spray, toilet paper) 
Nishara Gunasekara, 2L and President of AALSA, loads up their car with donations for the Durham Rescue Mission after the first week of the collection drive

2. Volunteer or Donate 

  • The Carolina Center for Public Service is central to the University’s disaster response and relief efforts when disasters impact our state. They provide the following ways to help (and the list may expand as the needs emerge, see https://ccps.unc.edu/disaster-relief/): 
  • For those most directly affected, and as a source of information for current conditions, check out ReadyNC. 
  • The following organizations provided information related to immediate disaster relief efforts and how to make donations: N.C. Department of Administration; American Red Cross 
  • For volunteer opportunities coordinated by the State of North Carolina, visit the Volunteer NC website. 
  • Blue Ridge Public Radio has provided a list of local Western North Carolina organizations that may be useful. 
  • The Kathrine R. Everett Law Library has compiled a collection of online resources intended to help the North Carolina community seeking information on disaster relief efforts for those impacted by Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene.
  • It is likely many other opportunities for volunteering or donations are or will become available, including here at UNC. WUNC has provided a non-exhaustive list of organizations involved in recovery support and how you can help – https://www.wunc.org/2024-09-28/list-ways-to-donate-and-help-flood-victims-in-western-north-carolina-after-hurricane-helene. 
  • When donating, disaster officials remind you to donate through a disaster relief organization or the government. They publish lists of needed items. 
    • Only give items when they are requested 
    • Only give items that are on the list of requested items 
    • Do not send items directly to the affected area. 

3. Stay informed by following the Student Bar Association and participating organizations’ social media pages for updates and shared resources. 

“There is so much that is needed to help our friends and families in Western North Carolina,” Wright said. “This initiative will be just the beginning of our students’ commitment to supporting the recovery efforts.” 

For more information on how to get involved or to stay updated on relief initiatives, please contact David Wright or by visiting the participating student organizations’ information channels.