By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Schools, churches and organizations within the city of Helena have come together and need as much support to help the victims impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

Hurricane Harvey dumped more than 40-inches of rain in some areas near Houston, Texas resulting in thousands of displaced families and thousands of destroyed homes.

As those in Houston and the surrounding areas begin making their long road to recovery, there are ways for people in Helena to help make an impact.

Philicia Danner with Helena Cumberland Presbyterian said the church has partnered with Helena Intermediate School and donations will be accepted at both the school and at the church located at 3396 Helena Road.

A drop off has been set up at the church as donations will be accepted Sunday-Friday from 2:30-8 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon until Sept. 27.

“We’re not really looking for clothing donations,” Danner said. “We’re looking for things like mildew cleaner, pet food, canned foods with a pop top, baby food, feminine and hygiene products. Honestly just things we use on a daily basis are what we are really looking for.”

Danner said once the donations are collected, Helena Cumberland Presbyterian would be sending a team to Texas on Sept. 30, where they will help distribute the supplies.

As for the schools, Helena Intermediate School will begin collecting donations on Sept. 9 through Sept. 22. Suggested items for donation include book bags, crayons, notebooks, card games, paper, pencils, markers, highlighters, pens, colored pencils, coloring books, tape, scissors, rulers and more.

Students at Helena Elementary School have already made a huge impact as Friday, Sept. 1, the school raised $1,604.51 that will be sent to Texas. HES also held a jeans day on Sept. 5, as students or teachers could wear jeans to school if a $3 donation was made for Hurricane Harvey victims.

Helena High School has decided to use its Homecoming service campaign to help the hurricane victims.

HHS started the “Helena Helps Houston” campaign on Sept. 5, as school supplies will be collected at various grade levels for a number of weeks.

Another way those wishing to make a donation can do so is through the Kiwanis Club of Helena.

The club will be collecting items for the victims in Houston on Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Helena senior citizens building.

Items such as bottled water, non-perishables, cleaning products, personal hygiene products and pet food will be accepted from 7:30 a.m. until noon.

For more information contact Luther Jarmon, Jr. at 960-6529.