By Andi Anderson
Following Hurricane Helene’s devastation, farmers in North Carolina and nearby regions urgently need hay and livestock supplies. The Fellowship of Christian Farmers International (FCFI) has stepped up to coordinate donations, providing critical aid to help farmers through winter.
How to Contribute to the Hay Relief Drive
FCFI and its partners have established two key initiatives for those wishing to support this cause:
- Midwest Food Bank’s Hay Donation Program
Midwest Food Bank (MFB) is sending 20 loads of alfalfa hay to Canton, North Carolina, as part of a relief effort to support livestock farmers recovering from the hurricane’s impact. This generous contribution, coordinated with the help of volunteer drivers and truck transport, has estimated logistics and transportation costs of $25,000.
Deliveries will continue over several weeks, ensuring farmers have essential feed for their livestock as they rebuild. Donations to MFB can be made via their website, with funds going toward covering these trucking costs. Any surplus funds raised will be used to increase the hay volume delivered, directly benefiting affected farmers in North Carolina.
- Bales of Hope – Pontiac FFA’s Hay Drive
FCFI is also collaborating with Pontiac FFA on the “Bales of Hope” campaign, which is directed toward farmers in Tennessee and North Carolina. This drive focuses on delivering donated hay, including large square bales, rounds, and small squares, to areas in need. Targeted regions include Washington, Unicoi, Greene, Carter, and Johnson Counties in Tennessee, and Mitchell and Yancey Counties in North Carolina.
The delivery date is set for November 9, with pickups scheduled along the route from Illinois through Indiana, Kentucky, and into the Southeast. Donations to the Bales of Hope initiative will fund additional hay purchases and transportation costs. Those interested in contributing funds or, if possible, donating hay can support this cause directly via the Jonesborough, TN relief fund.
To learn more or to get involved, visit FCFI’s website at https://www.fcfi.org/. By joining together, we can help these farmers recover and rebuild their livelihoods.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ianchrisgraham
Categories: Illinois, General