How to Help Those in Columbia, SC

The combination of Hurricane Joaquin along with an upper level Low Pressure created an "Atmospheric River" of moisture that inundated South Carolina with torrential rain and now horrible flooding. Here is an explanation via Forbes. Brad Panovich, the weatherman here in Charlotte, NC, called it a "Fire Hose" of moisture which you can see from the above photo. This has all caused devastation in SC....

We have an amazing Mom's group here in Charlotte that is taking up a collection of clothes, toiletries and basically anything we can and taking it down there in a U-haul. Several High Schools and Elementary Schools are serving as collection points. If you are further away here are some ways that you can help South Carolina (via CNN):

• The Salvation Army is assisting communities along the East Coast by providing food, water and shelter to flood victims. You can donate to the Salvation Army's relief efforts online or by texting STORM to 51555.

• The American Red Cross of the Palmetto South Carolina Region needs volunteers to assist in shelter operations and disaster assessment. New volunteers can visit RedCross.org/SC and click on volunteer to start the application process.

• The South Carolina Baptist Convention has deployed food and child care units to assist flood victims. A chainsaw unit also is on the ground, helping to remove fallen trees interfering with power lines.