Supplies are being collected at Payroll Plus on Statesville until 6 pm / Photos by Jason Benavides

Sept. 30. By Dave Yochum. Drinking water is pouring into Western North Carolina from Cornelius and Lake Norman where countless people are pulling together for victims of Tropical Storm Helene.

Yesterday truckloads and trailer loads of water and supplies left from the Cornelius Police Station and Payroll Plus on Statesville.

Helene left behind a wide swath of devastation—there are apparently dozens dead—as well as a desperate need for potable water. Much of  the region has been isolated due to roads being washed out by anywhere from 10 to 29 inches of rain.

More than 45,000 lbs of supplies, including 17 pallets of water, made their way yesterday to Marion, according to organizer John Hettwer of Payroll Plus.

Payroll Plus on Statesville

He said developer Jake Palillo also drove a flatbed he filled with water the 160+ mile round trip. Racing legend Ray Evernham and his crew brought truckloads of supplies yesterday and today to the Payroll Plus collection center.

North Carolina Health News reported 145 water systems were either without power or under boil-water alerts.

Supplies are being collected today at the police station and Payroll Plus as well as at the offices of Love Lake Norman at 18636 Starcreek Drive, Unit D.

Where to take emergency supplies:

Cornelius Police Station: 21440 Catawba Ave. (till 5 pm)

Payroll Plus: 19300 Statesville Road (till 6 pm)

Love Lake Norman: 18636 Starcreek Drive, Unit D. (till 5 pm)

If your church or organization is collecting let us know and we’ll include it an update this afternoon.

Items in high demand include:

Cases or jugs of water
Diapers
Baby formula and baby supplies
MREs (Meals Ready to Eat)
Protein bars
Non-perishable food items