Hi everyone, Beth here and I'm trying to raise some funds to help my friend Vanessa Carr. She is a friend and neighbor down here in rural western NC. As you may know from my posts, the word "rural" is quite the understatement for where we live here in the Great Smoky Mountains. We are about 12 miles away from any civilization or shopping. Vanessa is actually about 3 miles further into the wilderness than Don and I are.

Vanessa came to the Smokies 3 years ago. She moved cross country from San Diego, CA after caring for her ailing parents until their eventual passing. She bought this beautiful property on the very top of a mountain, and things went well for a time until her vehicle died. She has been surviving as well as possible by hiking miles up and down the mountain countless times, relying on the kindness of neighbors for rides into town for supplies, even hitch hiking at times. She does odd jobs locally, but really needs steady work. Being without a vehicle makes it impossible to get to any job or to necessary medical appointments for herself and 2 animals...then just the other day, surprise! Her cat Stormy had 4 kittens. Another unexpected expense.

Vanessa is a kind, good hearted person who really doesn't like the idea of asking for charity but she has found herself in a difficult situation. Any funds donated will be used for the purchase of a used but reliable vehicle so my friend can get on with her life! No amount is too small and every penny is so very appreciated. She is also a person who will pay it forward when she is able.

Thanks so much to all who even took the time to read this!