Chautauqua County is mobilizing to deliver critical supplies and monetary donations to North Carolina and Florida following the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Residents are urgently called to contribute essential items that will be transported by local pilots and volunteers to the hardest-hit areas.
Donation centers have been established at Jamestown Airport (JHW) and Dunkirk Airport (DKK) to collect urgently needed items:
Heating and Fuel
- Buddy Heater and Adapter for Buddy Heater to large tank
- Buddy Heater Filter (F273699 or Universal Fit 5506228)
- 2KW Generators
- Propane Tanks
- 1 lb
- 20 lb
- Kerosene
- Gas
Cooking Supplies
- Camp Stove (propane or charcoal, NOT butane)
- Instant Coffee Cans
Food and Drink Supplies
- Canned Tomato Products
- Canned Fruit (family size)
- Mayo/Ketchup/Mustard
- LMNT (hydration packets)
- Gatorade or similar drinks
- Canned/Plastic Drinks
Shelter and Bedding
- Sleeping Bags
- Sleeping Pads
- Cots
First Aid and Safety
- AEDs for Spruce Pine Police Dept. – 6 units
- CO Detectors (no limit)
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Dish Soap
- Mops/Brooms
- Bleach
- Dehumidifiers
- Damp Rid
General Household Supplies
- Aluminum Foil
- Disposable Plates, Cutlery, Cups
- Zip Lock Bags
Tools and Hardware
- Mailbox & Post
- Chain Saws
- Bar & Chain sizes: 24”, 16”, 20” (STIHL, HUSQVARNA, ECHO)
- Engine Oil (10W30 Quarts)
- Shrink Wrap (man-sized with 4” core)
- Forklift with Pneumatic Tire – 1
- Side by Side Vehicle (for airport use)
- Livestock Fencing (barbed and barbless)
- T-Posts
- Rakes/Shovels
- Flex Seal (all types)
- Black Paint
Other Items
- Garmin GPS Map 67i (with service through winter) – 10 units
- Books & Educational Supplies
- Toys & Stuffed Animals (for Christmas)
- Crayons & Coloring Books
Clothing
- Men’s Winter Work Boots (size 9-12)
Local flight schools and aviation partners are ready to fly these items to those in need, but larger donations may require truck shipments.
Monetary contributions are equally crucial to cover transportation costs, including fuel for volunteer aircraft. Donations can be sent directly to the Avery County Airport Authority to support ongoing relief efforts:
Avery County Airport Authority
C/O Samuel Calvert (Chairman)
202 Little Cow Camp Rd
Newland, NC 28657
Additionally, Sol Relief, a nonprofit organization based at Albert Whitted Airport in Florida, is actively coordinating efforts to distribute essential supplies. Individuals can support their initiatives by donating at solrelief.org/donate-now.
For questions or to learn more about how you can assist, please contact Shannon Fischer at 716-661-8930. Your contributions can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by these hurricanes.