The focus for many of us right now is undoubtedly Hurricane Helene and the devastation it has caused. Every fall, I take our camper to Maggie Valley and leave it there for the season. We cherish our weekends spent there. Unfortunately, the campground we stay at flooded during Helene.

I drove up early Sunday morning to assess the damage and check on folks at the campground, bringing along 15 cases of water and food, unsure of what to expect. Arriving around 6 AM, I was relieved to find that our camper was unharmed. But as I set out to distribute the water, I quickly realized I had no idea where to take it. The fire department was closed, and there was no one around—of course, it WAS 6 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Eventually, I found a campground where many residents live year-round, and they were incredibly grateful for the supplies.

Over the past few days, it seems that much of the media and relief efforts have focused heavily on Asheville and Boone. While I don’t want to downplay the needs in those areas, it’s important to remember that many small towns, valleys, and hollows throughout the mountains have been severely affected as well. These communities are isolated- Many literally cut off from civilization, and the harsh reality is that many people may face death by dehydration or starvation before help reaches them. The stories we’re all hearing are heartbreaking.

This morning, I returned to Maggie Valley to bring our camper home and get it out of the way so they could continue cleanup. Still dark when I arrived, I stopped by a small restaurant we often visit, where I found the owner and a few employees just hanging around. I was the only patron at that early hour. We discussed the reality of the present situation: nearly every bridge is out, making it impossible to reach those in the hills. Streams are impassable, and fallen trees, debris, and mudslides block roads. She told me about one of her employees who lost her home and car, and that she was expressing a wish that the flood had taken her as well.

Most of us have never experienced this level of despair.

I shared my experience from my visit on Sunday, expressing my desire to help but feeling lost on how to do so. The owner suggested I speak with the “men in the back”. To my surprise, there were eight men holding a Bible study. (I thought I was the only person there). I sat down with them, sharing my concerns about those in the remote areas who might be overlooked, and it turned out that this was exactly what they were discussing. They informed me about two churches in Waynesville and Maggie Valley that were focusing their efforts on that same thing and provided contact information for them. From what I hear they are doing a great job.

So…Now that I know HOW to help, I would like to ask FOR help.

I plan to return to Maggie Valley late next week with a 14-foot box truck and would love to fill it to the top with supplies. Actually, I would like to return with multiple trucks.

It goes without saying that many of you have likely contributed in some way already, but there’s always more we can do. The Mooresville Minute newsletter reaches over 18,000 people, with nearly half consistently opening it. Together, we can make a significant impact and help those in need not only with our generosity but also through our relationships.

There’s no doubt that some of us have connections with companies like Lowe’s, Niagara, and others who may be willing to help. I’ve already spoken with Carolina Rework Solutions in Hickory, who is generously donating new baby shoes, new baby clothes, hand sanitizer, and portable grills. Contempora Fabrics is sourcing clothing donations from some of their manufacturers like Fanatics and others.

Together, we can make a huge difference for those in desperate need with our donations, our time, our finances, and our relationships.

Having said all that- Its becoming clear than many supplies are being depleted from local stores due to relief efforts as well as supply chain fears. If you would like to make a cash donation you can send money through Zelle to 704.607.3000 (Christopher Mark Gibson) and I will hold it in my escrow account and deliver it next week directly to those in need. We have raised $1650 since yesterday.

• If you use zelle please text me and let me know so I can thank you.
• I have received many donations but zelle doesn’t provide phone numbers.
• Thank you for your donations so far!

Thank you all, and let’s continue to pray for all those who are in such desperate need and…forgive me in advance because you’ll be getting this email for the next few days! Let’s come together to make a difference for those affected by this disaster. Thank you for your support!

If you have questions or would like to help you can email me or call me at 704-607-3000.

Items Needed

Here’s a list of some of the smaller towns along with populations that have been hit hard by helene. Many of these communities are too small to report a population.