Help Rebuild Appalachian Lives After Helene

This is difficult for me to put into words, but here goes…

As you know, hurricane Helene ripped through my precious mountains obliterating entire towns, destroying families, and causing massive trauma among death and destruction.

These are my people, and they are hurting. Not only was I born and bred an Appalachian child, these are my roots. My home. My family runs generations deep on both sides. From the settlers to now, I come from a long line of Scotch-Irish mountainfolk, and it hurts my soul to not be there to help or hug the survivors. My heart breaks for them over and over every day.

Appalachia is more than a region- it’s heritage and rich culture that engulfs a unique way of life. It’s having sticky fingers drenched in pine sap, chasing cousins through an apple orchard, the taste of papaw’s liver mush and the scent of mamaw’s Tube Rose snuff. It’s an appreciation for hollers, moonshine, folklore, and lightening bugs. The smell of morning dew and feel of cool summer nights. These aren’t just memories; they are a way of life for Appalachia folk. Singing hymns from memory, fishing in mountain streams, listening to AM radio, learning how to properly “put up” green beans, and living life on backroads. This is heritage, culture, and an entire region of people with a unique way of life, and they need our help.

This is an area 2,000 feet above sea level and 300 miles inland. A place people retreat to from hurricanes. No one expected this and very few evacuated.

Due to the complicated terrain- power outages could go on for months along with no running water. Hospitals can't function properly, and major interstates & schools are closed indefinitely. When I saw Marshall (population 700) on Good Morning America, I burst into tears. The sound of sirens and constant helicopters in the background while talking to loved ones churns my stomach. The pictures, videos, and personal stories from friends and family are grueling. Many are living the horror of search & rescue, while little kids will never hug certain classmates again.

Appalachians are resilient folks who don’t build their lives around materialism. They’ve come from nothing and will build back from nothing, but they need our help. I have set up this GoFundMe to collect donations and give directly to Samaritan’s Purse. It is a local organization ran by Billy Graham’s son. Whatever donation you feel in your heart to give will help my people and heal my heart. This is our road to Jericho and our chance to be The Good Samaritan. (Luke 10:37)

My momma always said, "if the good Lord's willing and the creek don't rise..." Welp the creek rose, and I'm sending help. I would be forever grateful for anything you can donate!

-Whitney