As Hurricane Helene tore through the southeastern United States, leaving parts of North Carolina devastated, some residents felt called to help survivors who are struggling to rebuild. While many gave individually or through groups, two local organizers were inspired to think bigger by creating hurricane relief drives.
“I couldn’t imagine waking up to houses floating away with people inside,” said Jill Chitwood of Marion. “Something in my gut gnawed at me until I did something.”
Operation We Care is Born
One of her first calls was to the Buckeye Ridge Habitat for Humanity.
“I received a call from Jill Chitwood explaining that she had a connection to an area that was hard hit by the hurricanes. We began to brainstorm and as Habitat, we were able to offer a collection site, donations and labor to help,” said Christy Neff, Habitat program director.
“They hand sanitizer, putty knives, sanding blocks, rubber gloves, leather gloves and many different items. They gave a lot. It was great!” Chitwood exclaimed.
Other local businesses and groups joined in Operation We Care. Nathan Smith with Farm Transport LLC donated a semi-trailer. B&B Mechanical solicited donations and picked up donated items. Folks Printing provided 6,000 flyers for local schools. Office Depot donated a banner. iHeart Radio donated public service announcements.
Donors from Kids to Seniors Stepped Up
Many in the community responded. Students from Elgin and Ridgedale collected items such as trash bags and bottled water. A small group called “Books, Balance, and B.S.” also organized a drive at the Marion Senior Center. It took three cars to take all of the donations to the Habitat ReStore.
“To see what that storm did to that area – oh, it took my breath away,” said Dawn Reeser, one of the group members. “Members opened their hearts and their pantries. One of the gals in the group crocheted about 15 pairs of slippers. We donated medical supplies, diapers, formula and more. It’s pretty impressive what the 13 of us could come up with. It was a labor of love.”
“They dropped off a huge load for us!” Chitwood exclaimed.
NewsForce 24/7 donated water. Marion Altrusa also donated a carload of supplies. between individual, business, and nonprofit donors, the hurricane relief drive was a success.
“Our goal was met. We did finally get that truckload!” Chitwood said.
Graphic Packaging donated boxes to pack the donations. The Pallet People gave pallets so the donations could be easily unloaded with a forklift.
Donations Delivered and Appreciated
Mark White from Farm Transport LLC delivered the hurricane relief drive donations to Hickory, North Carolina in November. The Appalachian Disaster Coalition will take the items to victims in smaller communities.
“We are working to get people out of tents and into homes before winter comes. Sometimes a family bursts into tears when they receive help. They are really grateful. It means a lot to know that someone cares,” said Ashlyn Bell, a volunteer with the nonprofit. “Anything is appreciated. There’s a lot of devastation. It will take several years to rebuild.”
Another Nagging Urge Starts Hurricane Relief Drive
Just down the road at Dayspring Wesleyan Church, Tad Nelson had a feeling that God was telling him to help. His wife, Sandy, signed on. Dayspring Wesleyan agreed to help. The congregation and many members of the public responded.
“Tad was overwhelmed by all the people who wanted to do something. Marion Christian Center sent us an offering. Some individuals just stopped to donate cash, checks and supplies. We raised about $5,000 on top of the supplies,” said Pastor Beau Hummel, the children’s minister with Dayspring.
Soon, donors filled a U-haul trailer with cleaning supplies, toilet paper, baby food, shovels, trash bags, cleaning supplies and basic needs.
“They went and cleaned out Lowe’s and Menards of all of their portable heaters,” Hummel said.
Delivery and Volunteering for Hurricane Victims
The Nelsons drove the donations to Missionary Wesleyan Church in Forest City, NC. The Nelsons stayed for a week to volunteer with clean-up. They ran across five tents where several families were living, including a newborn.
“It’s up in the mountains. The cold is coming. We used $3,000 of the donations to buy an insulated shed for this family with an infant to live. It’s crazy to think of trying to survive in tents with a newborn,” Hummel said.
Organizers Thank Community For Supporting Hurricane Relief Efforts
While the rebuilding continues, the hurricane relief drive organizers thank the Marion community for its generous response.
“Thank you to everybody who took the time to help and drop off stuff!” Chitwood said.
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