Beaufort Comes Together to Support North Carolina After Hurricane Helene
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, residents of Beaufort rallied together to provide aid for those affected by the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. After several days of collecting donations, former Beaufort mayor Stephen Murray, along with Sea Eagle’s Craig Reeves and other volunteers, loaded up their trucks and headed north to deliver essential supplies, including water, diapers, and toiletries, to those in dire need.
Hurricane Helene Aftermath
Two weeks have passed since Hurricane Helene unleashed historic flooding and mudslides that wreaked havoc on numerous towns nestled in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. Murray felt a strong pull to lend a helping hand after receiving a call from Bob Woodman. “Initially, I thought about bringing chainsaws and equipment to help with the clean-up,” Murray shared. “But after giving it more thought overnight, I realized we had trucks and trailers. While large organizations weren’t yet on the ground, locals really needed help.”
Local Compassion Shines Through
With a simple post on Facebook calling for donations, Murray ignited a wave of generosity that swept through Beaufort. Local business owners Nick Borreggine and Bennett Schiller jumped on board, offering to collect donations at their shops, making it easy for community members to contribute. Remarkably, within just three days, they gathered over 100 pallets of essential items to send to those struggling in North Carolina.
“We received an overwhelming amount of bleach and disinfectant donations—two full pallets worth,” said Murray, clearly impressed by the community’s response. “At first, I thought we’d be lucky to get just a few pallets, but the love for our northern neighbors truly shone through.” Alongside donations arriving at the collection sites, several community members volunteered their time to help sort, stack, and organize the supplies.
A Two-Pronged Effort
Taking action swiftly, Murray made two trips to North Carolina in the wake of the hurricane. His first journey was solo with Reeves, while the second included a convoy of ten trucks loaded with donations and volunteers. They ventured into areas surrounding Asheville, delivering supplies specifically to smaller towns that larger vehicles struggled to reach.
Upon returning home earlier this week, Murray reflected on the changing needs as the recovery process continues. “The immediate need for goods has shifted. We should now be donating to reputable relief organizations. The focus has moved on to the crucial Phase 2 of recovery, which involves cleaning out homes and dealing with the aftermath of flooding,” he explained.
What’s Next for Recovery
While Murray and his fellow volunteers have temporarily halted supply deliveries based on feedback from North Carolina contacts, they are ready to assist further if the need arises. “Right now, some areas could be overwhelmed by supplies. They’re saying it’s more helpful to avoid sending too much,” he said. “However, as the cleanup continues, they might require more supplies or labor assistance as they dig through the wreckage.”
Murray emphasized that this was not a solo endeavor; countless volunteers from various communities also responded to the crisis by gathering donations and delivering help to those in need. “So many people have stepped up,” he said. “But it’s time for larger organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Samaritan’s Purse to come in and provide the support the local communities cannot.”
A Call to Action
As recovery from Hurricane Helene progresses, it is crucial for the community to continue lending their support. Murray encourages donations to trustworthy relief organizations that can ensure the funds are used effectively. “It’s important for us to advocate and not let anyone forget about western North Carolina. Recovery is going to take time,” he stressed.
It’s heartening to witness how the Beaufort community rallied together to show love and support for those impacted by the hurricane. The spirit of giving doesn’t end here. Stay engaged, look for ways to contribute, and remember that every little bit helps in rebuilding lives.
