Support Storm Relief for Our Appalachian Neighbors

Alex Frank is a sophomore at Virginia Tech and the founder of Hokies for Hurricane Relief. Alex is an Asheville local, who has seen his hometown go from a place of beautiful history and memories to a barren wasteland from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. While his family and home were spared from the catastrophic flash flooding, mudslides, and secondary hurricane impacts, many of their family, friends, and fellow Ashevillians are without homes and power. This storm has taken the lives of over 40 people, and more than 600 are currently missing in Buncombe County alone. Relief efforts within the Buncombe County area are severely limited, as the area is inaccessible by road, leaving citizens stranded and forced to use only what they have to sustain themselves for the near future. Organizations including BelovedAsheville, the Red Cross, and Hearts with Hands are doing the best they can to feed, clothe, and support those left devastated by this disaster, but can’t do it alone. Alex founded Hokies for Hurricane Relief to act as a bridge between those who need help and those who can provide it. The project at Virginia Tech aims to provide food, water, blankets, hygiene supplies, creature comforts, and any other support items donated to relief organizations not only in Asheville but the entire Greater Appalachian Region. Hokies for Hurricane Relief is also taking monetary donations that will go directly to Appalachian aid projects. Hokies for Hurricane Relief will be holding supply drives beginning in October and plans to begin making supply trips to Buncombe and surrounding counties as soon as roads are once again accessible. The storm might be over, but the Appalachians will be feeling the aftershocks for months. Please consider giving to those in need. Even the smallest of donations can have the largest of impacts.