In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene's devastating impact on Western North Carolina, the resilient communities of the eastern part of the state have stepped up to provide vital support and aid. This heartwarming story showcases the power of community, the strength of shared experiences, and the unwavering spirit of Carolinians helping their neighbors in times of crisis.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors: A Tradition of Caring

Donating for Livestock and Residents in Need

The residents of Jones County, located in Eastern Carolina, have rallied together to donate essential items to their counterparts in the western part of the state. Recognizing the immense challenges faced by farmers and families, the community has mobilized to collect and distribute much-needed supplies, including jackets, coats, and animal feed.Samantha Bennett, a lifelong resident of Jones County, explains the motivation behind their efforts. "I grew up in a farming community here in Jones County. We have animals, and we have experienced a lot of loss through Hurricane Floyd and Florence, both with chicken houses and commercial poultry." Empathizing with the struggles of their western neighbors, Bennett and her community have stepped up to provide support.

Addressing the Unique Needs of Western North Carolina

The challenges faced by Western North Carolina extend beyond the immediate aftermath of the storm. Jones County Extension Agent Kristi Welke highlights the specific needs of the region, noting that the damage goes beyond just flooding. "The biggest issue with the western side of the state is they didn't just flood; they had landslides. They lost everything. They lost their pastures. They've lost their winter grazing. They have lost all their fence lines."To address these unique challenges, the Jones County community has focused on collecting and distributing essential items like animal feed, alfalfa pellets, and timothy pellets. Welke emphasizes the importance of these donations, stating, "Any support we can help to get them through the winter from grain to feed to hay to getting animals contained temporarily until they can figure out how they are going to run their fence lines now."

Fostering a Spirit of Resilience and Solidarity

The efforts of the Jones County community are not just about providing material aid; they are also about fostering a sense of resilience and solidarity among the affected communities. Welke explains, "The biggest issue with the western side of the state is they didn't just flood they had landslides. They lost everything. They lost their pastures. They've lost their winter grazing. They have lost all their fence lines."By donating and supporting their western counterparts, the residents of Jones County are sending a powerful message of unity and hope. Samantha Bennett reflects on this sentiment, saying, "We saw a bunch of families that needed supplies for their animals. They needed help getting things loaded up that they needed to take back to their home."

Rebuilding and Recovering Together

The road to recovery for Western North Carolina is long and arduous, but the support and generosity of the Jones County community offer a glimmer of hope. Welke acknowledges the progress being made, but emphasizes that there is still a long way to go. "We saw a bunch of families that needed supplies for their animals. They needed help getting things loaded up that they needed to take back to their home."As the communities in Western North Carolina work to rebuild and recover, the continued support and solidarity from their eastern counterparts will be crucial. The Jones County community's efforts serve as a shining example of the power of community, the strength of shared experiences, and the unwavering spirit of Carolinians helping their neighbors in times of crisis.