Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) has deployed two Disaster Response Teams to assist in the recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in the Levy County, Florida area including Perry, FL, and the surrounding areas. There is also an active team deployed in Western North Carolina (Hendersonville, Henderson County area), with another deployment from National planned to depart with donations and supplies this weekend (October 6th, 2024).

The next DR Team will rally at the Center for Nonprofits (1200 W. Walnut St., Ste 2310, Rogers, AR 72756) on Sunday, October 6th at 8:00 AM to gear up and brief before we start our mission. We will also have a secondary meet-up point in the Western North Carolina area.

**The DR Team will be deployed from Sunday 10/6 through Saturday 10/12.**

If you are available to deploy, please CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. After registering, you will be contacted with more information regarding the North Carolina rally point. **NOTE: If you are unable to deploy for the full 7-day mission, you are still able to volunteer for the days you are available if you provide your own transportation to and from the rally point.

We need your help! Text SDIADRM to 44-321 to give communities hope in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

• Register as a DRM Volunteer using the button or link above (https://www.tfaforms.com/5038019);
• Be an SDIA Member or Volunteer (sign up at https://sheepdogia.org/get-involved);
• Have proof of Health/Medical insurance;
• Be able to transport yourself to the rally point; and
• Be able to pay for your personal expenses to/from the rally point.
• Click here for a Required Gear list. 
• After registering, volunteers will be contacted with deployment details.

We are in need of financial donations to replenish supplies of tarps, nails, and supplies, as well as for vehicle & chainsaw fuel. 

Secure online financial donations can be made via this link. Gift cards and financial donations can also be dropped off or mailed to Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, 1200 W. Walnut St., Suite 2310, Rogers AR 72756.

DRM DEPLOYMENT GEAR LIST

Required DRM Gear

• Sturdy, above ankle, steel-toed boots
• Heavy work/duty pants and belt
• Shirts (Red DRM SDIA logo shirts, long or short sleeve)*
• Work Gloves
• Eye Protection or Sunglasses

*SDIA red DRM shirts will be provided if you have none.

Recommended Gear

• Cold Weather Gear (SDIA jackets, hoodies, fleece, etc.)
• Cap/Hat, Bandana
• Camelback/Water bottle
• Pocket knife
• Tactical knife/machete
• Sleeping bag (cold weather)
• 2-person tent
• Basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic ointment, small scissors, pain reliever, tweezers, burn cream, moleskin)
• Ear Protection
• Misc Items: snacks, water, duct tape, lip balm, dry bags, ziplock/trash bags, matches/lighter, camera, notebook and pen, flashlight/headlamp, extra batteries, sunscreen, bug spray

Other needs:

• Sleeping pad and pillow
• Cot
• Extra clothing, shoes or boots, socks
• Rain gear/poncho
• Hygiene kit (soap, toothbrush, towel & washcloth, tp, etc) +
• Baby wipes +
• Portable stove, plate/cup/bowl/utensils
• Misc tools (hammer, multitool/trauma shears, collapsible shovel, riggers belt, rope, etc) +
• Battery bank (for cell phones)
• Rope +
• Personal items: cash, credit/debit card, government-issued ID, medications (prescriptions, pain reliever, allergy), hand sanitizer, phone charger, wet wipes, tissues)

+ Items that SDIA may provide if available

Won’t you please consider donating to support our mission to assist the communities devastated by Hurricane Helene?

Every dollar will make a difference in the lives of those we assist. No donation is too small – if you can give $5, $10, $25 or more, every penny will be used in assisting the people affected by this monumental hurricane.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see how your donations make a difference!

Thank you for your support of Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, our nation’s Sheep Dogs and communities affected by natural disasters.

***Please share this message with friends and family that may be interested in supporting SDIA’s efforts and our nation’s heroes.***