CONCORD, N.C. — Hundreds of people donated cases of water, boxes of diapers, non-perishable food, and rolls of toilet paper to the Charlotte Motor Speedway on Wednesday. They’re all items many take for granted, but for people in western North Carolina, they’re meeting a desperate need.
“That’s why I stopped here, because you guys, this is absolutely amazing, and this is what everybody needs,” said Riesha Tapolci.
Chopper 9 Skyzoom captured crews setting up their collection drive. The effort comes after Tropical Storm Helene left thousands of people with little to nothing.
Tapolci said the outpouring of support from the Charlotte Motor Speedway is deeply touching to her. She’s a victim of Helene and evacuated to Charlotte from Fairview, a town just minutes outside of Asheville.
“The devastation guys, it’s beyond anything anybody could ever imagine what the devastation is in Asheville,” Tapolci said.
“The streets are lined with people displaced in their cars. They don’t have water to make formula to feed babies. They don’t have anything. They have nothing.”
It’s why Charlotte Motor Speedway is trying to replace what many are without. Volunteers from NASCAR, surrounding race teams, and Speedway volunteers grabbed bottled water, non-perishable food, baby diapers, and wipes from anyone who wanted to give.
“I hope that folks will feel supported and loved and kind of know that complete strangers are doing what we can to be able to help out,” said Jonathan Coleman, who’s with the Speedway.
Donations will be loaded onto NASCAR team trailers and brought to the North Wilkesboro Speedway. They will then be distributed to the western counties.
“We have the resources. They don’t,” said Susan McKee, a volunteer. “So, I think it’s important that we have a showing of support for our fellow North Carolinians.”
Tapolci said she’s one of the lucky ones, but she knows that’s not the case for her neighbors back home.
“The people that are still there, that have lost everything. Just, my heart breaks,” she said.
“God instills in us to take care of each other and to help,” McKee said. “It’s an awesome thing to see so many people willing to come together.”
Community members can drop items off at Charlotte Motor Speedway until 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. At this time, the greatest needs are for baby and adult diapers, water and non-perishable food, baby and body wipes, and chewable Benadryl tablets.
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