CHARLOTTE, N.C. - TelAve -- When Hurricane Helene hit the Florida coast September 26, it caused at least $89 billion in damage across eight states. Almost as quickly as it hit, the employees of Messer Financial were already collecting supplies and money.

"I've worked with people who were providing mobile security and medical up in the (North Carolina) mountains," Building Security Chris Clinkscales said. "We came together and took truckloads of supplies up there. Our hope was to get to and help the people who were stranded and not getting access to critical needs."

Clinkscales enlisted the help of coworkers to set up an internal donation area and send out an email alerting staff to the crisis with a list of imminent needs. By later that afternoon, he had his first truck full of donations.

"At that time the biggest need was medical items, food, and support for the boots-on-the-ground people – those doing the search and rescue," Clinkscales said. "The people needed water, food baby, diapers, hygiene supplies, and medical supplies like insulin."

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To spur more giving, CEO Bill Rice challenged to his team to donate, and Messer Financial would match dollar-for-dollar. The incentive worked, raising thousands of dollars. The team also purchased needed items that were shipped to support operations in the blighted area.

"This means a lot to us because it is close to home," Rice said. "So, everyone through one, two, or three degrees of separation, knows someone who has been impacted by this. We have agents and consumers in western North Carolina that do business with us, and this is our opportunity to give back."

The team used an Amazon Wishlist that was created for the victims of Hurricane Helene. Among requested items on the list are batteries, portable propane heaters, kids' fleece pajamas, and sleeping bags.

Due to the destruction of infrastructure, mass flooding, and landslides, many areas are still inaccessible. Search and rescue teams have only been able to reach some people by hiking into the disaster area or using ATVs.

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"We were surprised by what was raised but we had some very generous staff and agents," Director of Communications Rebekah Williams said. "It was a disaster that hit so close to home and many of our employees know someone who was impacted by it."

"This was an opportunity to show that we care about our community," Account Executive Joyleen DiRocco said. "When the community or our peers need us, we're there. As we bless others, you just don't know who is going to be on the other side or the receiving heart on the other end."

Anyone interested in donating may access the Amazon Wishlist to have items sent directly to Burnsville.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/38Q4UF8R06LRM/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex