Stephen Colbert asks ‘Late Show’ viewers to help NC & the Southeast after Helene

By Renee Umsted

Updated December 3, 2024 7:03 PM

Late-night show host Stephen Colbert recently asked “The Late Show” viewers to consider donating to help the communities affected by Helene, specifically calling out the destruction in North Carolina. Scott Kowalchyk CBS Broadcasting

Hurricane Helene Aftermath

Hurricane Helene swept across the Southeast, causing major flooding and destruction throughout North Carolina. Here is ongoing coverage from The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer about Hurricane Helene and the aftermath, particularly in Western North Carolina.

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Late-night show host Stephen Colbert asked “The Late Show” viewers Monday night to consider donating to help the communities affected by Helene, specifically calling out the destruction in North Carolina.

Colbert, a South Carolina native, asked his bandleader Louis Cato how friends and family in Cato’s home state of North Carolina were doing following the storm during an episode that aired Monday, Sept. 30. Cato grew up in Albemarle and has been a member of the band since 2015 and its leader since 2022, Charlotte Magazine previously reported.

“I’m really grateful. My immediate family is all well and OK,” Cato said. “I’ve got a lot of friends in Asheville who we’re still waiting to hear from. They got hit really hard.”

During the show, which aired on Sept. 30, an emotional Colbert described the aftermath of the storm, including challenges with power outages, food and water availability and lack of cell service.

He also showed footage of flooding in Asheville. Buncombe County is one of a couple of dozen counties in Western North Carolina affected by Helene.

“The situation in that entire region is dire,” Colbert said.

Colbert directed viewers to colbertlateshow.com/hurricanehelene for a list of charities.

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This story was originally published October 1, 2024 at 4:25 PM with the headline "Stephen Colbert asks ‘Late Show’ viewers to help NC & the Southeast after Helene."

Renee Umsted

The News & Observer

202-383-6008

Renee Umsted is The News & Observer’s Affordability Reporter. She writes about what it costs to live in the Triangle, with a consumer-focused approach. She has a degree in journalism from TCU.