Beaufort Community Rallies Together to Help North Carolina Hurricane Victims
In the charming city of Beaufort, residents have shown their incredible spirit of generosity and compassion by coming together to support those affected by the devastating Hurricane Helene. After days of collecting donations, a group of local heroes, including former mayor Stephen Murray and Sea Eagle’s Craig Reeves, took it upon themselves to deliver essential supplies to their fellow citizens in western North Carolina.
Response to a Call for Help
It’s been two weeks since Hurricane Helene made its mark, wreaking havoc with historic flooding and mudslides that dismantled entire towns in the North Carolina mountains. Murray felt a pull to assist after receiving a call from Bob Woodman. Initially, he thought about packing up some chainsaws and heading north for a cleanup mission. “My first thought was that we would take some chainsaws and equipment and head north to help with the clean-up,” Murray recalled. But after a night’s sleep, he had a change of heart. “We’ve got trucks, we’ve got trailers,” he pondered, realizing that basic necessities were critically lacking.
People had run out of water, food, baby diapers, formula, and cleaning supplies. The situation was dire, and Murray knew they could assist. He concluded that if they were heading north, they should take much-needed supplies with them.
The Community Steps Up
Murray took to social media, calling for help, and the Beaufort community answered with overwhelming support. Local business owners Nick Borreggine and Bennett Schiller offered to collect supplies at their establishments, enabling residents to donate easily. In just three days, the effort yielded an impressive 100 pallets of donations, ready to be transported to North Carolina.
“We have probably two pallets of bleach and disinfectant,” he noted. “I thought we’d only gather a few pallets to take up there, but I was wrong. The community really showed their love for our northern neighbors.” As donations poured in, many volunteers helped sort, stack, and transport the items, showcasing the fantastic spirit of camaraderie in this close-knit town.
A Journey of Hope
Murray and his team didn’t just stop at one trip. They went back twice during the week following the hurricane. The first journey was with Reeves, and the second was even larger, comprising a caravan of ten trucks and vehicles! They brought supplies to small, rural towns surrounding Asheville, focusing on areas that larger trucks found difficult to access.
Early this week, Murray and the dedicated crew returned, with tales inspiring and humbling. He mentioned the ongoing needs had shifted. “Now we should be donating to a trusted relief organization up there so that they can put the money exactly where it is needed,” he advised. After the immediate need for goods was met, he identified the next phase of recovery: “This is really strong backs to go in and muck out things, clean the mold, and get all of the stuff out of these waterlogged homes and businesses.”
A Continued Commitment
As things evolve, Murray and his fellow volunteers find themselves in a waiting game. They’ve paused supplies for now after being informed that their contacts in North Carolina indicated they weren’t needed immediately. However, he acknowledged that they might require more supplies or labor assistance soon.
In a broader sense, Murray pointed out that many others have stepped up as well. “There are hundreds of other people who saw a need, loaded up their cars with stuff and delivered it to those in need,” he remarked. Yet, he emphasized that the time has come for bigger organizations like the Red Cross and Salvation Army to kick in with their larger-scale efforts.
Looking Forward
As recovery efforts continue, Murray expressed the importance of donations and advocacy. He urged citizens not to forget about western North Carolina and the long road to recovery that lies ahead. “It’s going to take time,” he shared, emphasizing that the community’s support is essential to ensure those affected get the help they desperately need.
With the hearts of Beaufort shining brightly, it’s evident that their commitment to helping others remains unwavering, no matter the distance.
