The Mountains Don't Break

UPDATE: The Mountains Don’t Break Part III

The initial goal of this Go Fund Me was $50,000 and we are so thankful to all of you that have contributed, gotten us over that mark and continue pushing us upwards. Through my journey of heartbreak and personally witnessing the devastation, the one thing that has jumped out to me about the people in Avery County – resiliency!

Banner Elk and Avery County are still working to build basic common necessities – like power, water and sanitation. Of course, restoring these has been hindered because of road closures/repairs, snow/cold weather and the vast area of destruction. During my recent trip to the area, 2.5 weeks after Helene barreled through, I drove through a snow shower while navigating lane closures. However, I was able to deliver propane-fueled space heaters and a ton of like new children’s clothes to the old Banner Elk Elementary School, which is serving as a collection/distribution point for Avery County.

I visited with the principal of Banner Elk Elementary to understand their needs. Their goal is to resume school, on an abbreviated basis with limited bus service, on November 6th. Of course, this is all dependent on the return of water/sewage to the area. This storm and the aftermath have taken an unimaginable toll on the children and we would like to help this community as best we can. We will learn more of the needs as the children return to school.

During this visit, I was able to make my way around almost all of Avery County. Another stop that I made was to Feeding Avery Families, located in Newland. Prior to Helene, this foodbank sourced the majority of their food from Manna, a foodbank located in Asheville. They are now having to get food from other sources which has increased the cost of the food. And unfortunately, this service is being utilized more than ever. I met with the Interim Executive Director who explained their biggest needs. This food bank is extremely well managed and efficient and continues to be high on our list of likely donations.

I was able to meet with long time family friends, as well as other community leaders. As you may know, autumn is such a critical time up in the mountains as people flock to the mountains for the cool fall temps, leaves changing and festivals like the Wooley Worm Festival. Many small businesses have seen little to no business because of the state that the area is in. As we continue to sort through what is needed, I will continue to keep you updated. The people I have spoken to both in person and on the phone are blown away that this money is dedicated to their area. We are in this for the long haul and as always, please reach out if you have any questions.

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UPDATE: The Mountains Don’t Break Part II.

I wanted to give everyone an update on what has transpired since we started the gofundme page. First of all, I am blown away by everyone that has reached out or so generously given from their hearts. So far, we a have raised over $47,000. We have had one large load of physical donations go up to the mountains on Wednesday, as well as a large number of clothing items donated by Plato’s Closet. Because we have hit such a large amount, we will also be able to help not only Banner Elk but a number of the smaller towns in Avery County.

My brothers and their construction teams used their heavy equipment to help rebuild roads and bridges, as well as clearing debris, so that the National Guard and others could move about the county. The Eggers construction family has been working side by side with Wildlands and the town of Banner Elk. If it wasn’t for these two groups groups and other locals, Avery County would not be as functional as it is today.

My father is working with his former company US Foods which has committed to get more food into the area. One of the biggest needs is getting food to Stonewalls and Banner Elk Cafe in Banner Elk. Their teams are cooking in their food truck constantly, providing hot meals to the town residents and workers. Power is starting to come on in certain towns but the water infrastructure is destroyed and could take weeks or months to rebuild. Communication continues to be an issue throughout Avery Co and most of Western NC.

After spending all Wednesday there, I still am not able to process all the destruction I personally witnessed. It seems like the hurricane washed away a piece of my childhood. But seeing the locals in shock, almost in a trance like state, was the most moving part. It’s clear some people will never recover from this event.

A couple of the charities that we have identified that we will working with:

Feeding Avery Families

Banner Elk Christian Fellowship

Banner Elk Elementary School

We are also looking into larger ticket items such as generators, propane and possibly tiny homes. It is starting to get colder in the mountains and warmth will be of upmost importance.

A couple of interesting things I have found in need and some already delivered include.

Benadryl for bee stings

Dog food, they also mentioned horse/animal feed

Can openers

Water

Clothes

Food

Baby products

And so much more! It will need to continue for a long time so our goal is to slowly move through the distribution as needs arrive for individuals and families.

Our family believes the mantra – “to whom much is given, much is expected”. We have set up an account to transfer these funds out of Go Fund Me, so there will be no co-mingling of funds. As we understand the needs of the community and the organizations more, we will begin distributing money via check or wire. This is a long-term project, not only for us, but for the community. We intend to stand with Avery County as they rebuild their communities and their lives.

We are in this for the long haul. Thank you for your support.

Feel free to reach out to Kellie or myself with any question. I promise you that every single penny will be used in the right way and for the people. You are the reason this is possible!

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The Mountains Don’t Break Part I

 

As you may know, the North Carolina mountains have been decimated by Hurricane Helene. Banner Elk, my home town, and the surrounding communities have been put in a unimaginable spot with no power, water or access to the outside world. Many people are still trapped in their homes with no way out. My brothers and I were fortunate to be able to rescue our parents and about 30 people in their community using heavy machinery and chainsaws. 

 

It was hard to see my hometown, the place that molded me into the man that I am, in such a state of disarray. Going up there and seeing the damage and destruction in person is beyond what anyone can comprehend. The water system in Banner Elk has been destroyed so it will be weeks, if not months, before water is restored to this area. Roads are washed out, bridges are destroyed, homes have feet of mud and rocks in them. This storm is equivalent to the damage Hurricane Katrina did to New Orleans but the damage in the mountains spreads over 10,000 square miles. 

 

We have received numerous calls and texts asking about our family and how people can help. We are asking for monetary donations to help with the ever growing list of things needed in Banner Elk. My brother’s company, Wildlands Construction, are working directly with community leaders throughout Avery County to help with clean up and repairs. With our family's connection to the Banner Elk community and surrounding towns, the money will go towards food, supplies, gas/propane and other necessities to help the people directly impacted by this horrible disaster.

 

If you would like to donate physical supplies, please contact myself or Kellie. We are beyond grateful that our family is safe following this storm but we know many are not and don’t have places to turn. The heart of the mountains is broke but it can never be broken.