How You Can Help the Copper Basin Community Recover from Historic Floods

More than 10 inches of rain fell on the night of Wednesday, Nov. 4, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, causing historic flooding of the Ocoee/Toccoa River on the Tennessee/Georgia border. The river crested at the highest level on record. It is being described as a 1-in-1,000-year rainfall event. The downtowns of Copperhill, Tenn., and McCaysville, Ga., were left in ruins after the catastrophic flooding.

Copper Basin Federal Credit Union serves the twin communities of Copperhill and McCaysville. While all credit union staff, board members and branches are confirmed safe, the surrounding community has suffered catastrophic losses. Multiple members have lost their homes, with one member losing both her residence and business. In addition, floodwaters inundated nearly all downtown businesses and destroyed vital community staples, including the area’s sole grocery store and the Copperhill U.S. Post Office.

The Toccoa River flows northward through McCaysville, Ga., and then becomes the Ocoee River in Tennessee. A map of Copperhill, Tenn., and McCaysville, Ga., showcases the downtown area of the towns bordering the state line. Map from the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce.

Several of you have reached out with ways to help Copper Basin Federal Credit Union.

Supporting Members with Flood Recovery

With credit union staff and volunteer board members safe, the full focus is on supporting credit union members through the recovery process.

Right now, the most urgent needs are dumpsters, fans and dehumidifiers to aid cleanup and drying efforts. At approximately $500 per dumpster rental, every contribution directly helps a family clear flood damage and take the first step toward rebuilding.

How to Donate

A “Copper Basin FCU Flood Relief Fund” has been created at Copper Basin Federal Credit Union, which will oversee the repository of all deposits.

Donate by Mailing a Check
To send a check, please make checks payable to “Copper Basin FCU Flood Relief Fund” and mail to:

Copper Basin FCU Flood Relief Fund
Copper Basin Federal Credit Union
771 Ocoee Street
Copperhill, TN 37317

Donate by ACH or a Wire Transfer
For ACH and wire transfer instructions, please contact Jessica McCosh at the Association.

Thank You for Your Generosity

We sincerely appreciate your generosity and commitment to the Copper Basin community.