Groups from New York to Texas have rushed to aid Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, which caused catastrophic flooding and killed more than 100 in the state.
With a death toll rising above 200 Thursday across six states , Helene became the fourth deadliest hurricane to hit the US since 1950 and is the deadliest since Katrina in 2005.
Thousands locally and nationally have been pitching in, including music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton. Even mules are delivering life-saving supplies to areas isolated by the most treacherous terrain.
Parton announced a partnership with Walmart to assist in relief efforts in states impacted by Helene.
The Sevierville, Tennessee, native announced Friday a $1 million donation to the Mountain Ways Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing immediate assistance to Hurricane Helene flood victims.
Parton’s East Tennessee businesses, Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Dolly Parton’s Stampede and Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, as well as the Dollywood Foundation have pledged to match her $1 million contribution .