Charlotte’s Heartwarming Response to Helene’s Devastation
In the beautiful city of Charlotte, North Carolina, the spirit of community is shining brightly as relief efforts continue following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. Just to the west, Polk County, one of the many areas hit hard by the storm, is experiencing a wave of generosity and support as folks from the region work tirelessly to gather resources for their neighbors in need.
Polk County, nestled close to Rutherford County, has seen its fair share of destruction. With numerous homes and businesses affected, those still standing are coming together to help one another. Timothy Fortune, a pastor from Columbus Baptist Church and a resident of Polk County himself, described the current challenges, saying, “It’s just been really busy trying to just meet basic needs at this moment. To make sure first of all, people are OK and they’re safe, and they’ve got somewhere to live.”
The Journey for Supplies
The logistical challenge of getting necessary supplies from Charlotte back to Polk County is immense, yet Timothy and his family actively engage in this critical task. “We didn’t have any power, but we have gas and the ability to use our gas stove,” Timothy explains. Through various partnerships, volunteers are stepping up by cooking meals for those affected, particularly for the elderly and disabled, who may have difficulty accessing resources on their own.
Timothy highlights how local churches and community organizations have joined forces to address the urgent needs, bringing food directly to apartment complexes and distributing care packages. Yet, this commitment to serving others comes at a time when many are dealing with their own losses from the storm.
Personal Struggles Amidst Community Strength
Timothy’s father-in-law, Larry Cook, profoundly expresses the heartache felt by many families, stating, “I’m 84 years old and I’ve seen many bad things happen, but this is the most devastating thing I’ve ever seen.” He shares about the flooding in his daughter Holly’s home, which has destroyed essential work equipment. “Her husband’s equipment that he uses for his job is completely destroyed, and they can’t get the water out.”
Despite dealing with such grief, Holly is also leading relief efforts in Morganton and Burke County through the nonprofit she is a part of called, “The Outreach Center.” “She has spent her entire life helping people,” said Mary Lou Cook, Larry’s wife, reflecting on the bittersweet situation. “To see all of this loss for them and his livelihood– and he won’t even have a way to work because everything is gone. It just breaks your heart.”
Hope and Resilience
Even amidst heartbreak, there are glimpses of hope. Fortune’s wife, Michelle, captures the resilient spirit of the western North Carolina community, declaring, “Even though they’ve experienced devastation, they’re saying, ‘What can I do to help somebody else?’ and I think that’s why we’ll survive this. We’ll rebuild.” This sentiment reflects a collective determination to rise from the rubble and rebuild not just homes, but lives.
However, the journey to recovery is fraught with challenges. Timothy notes the relentless pursuit for basic supplies, “Finding a gas can right now is almost impossible and Lowe’s said they got a number of them yesterday, but they are gone. Supplies are hard to come by.” As everyone bands together, their focus remains on getting through each day, one step at a time. “It’s just a day-by-day process to meet the needs of this moment,” he said.
How You Can Help
Efforts from local government and non-profits are in full swing, with many avenues available for those wishing to contribute to the relief efforts. For individuals wanting to support Columbus Baptist Church and its partners, donations are being accepted both online and in person. Small donations can be made at the Thermal Belt Outreach from Wednesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contributions of goods can be dropped off at Columbus Baptist Church any day of the week, with specific arrangements available by reaching out directly to the church.
As the Charlotte area and its surrounding communities continue to navigate through this difficult time, the tales of generosity and hope are guiding lights in the darkness, showing just how powerful a united community can be.
