I want to start off this editor’s note by wishing our entire community a heartfelt thank you for the compassion I have seen so far for those affected by Hurricane Helene in the western Carolina region.

I found out about the truly devastating effects of the storm this past Friday when I was scrolling on Facebook of all things and saw a photo of my hometown Boone, NC underwater. 

I immediately contacted my family in the area, and while we are so blessed to be able to report that everyone was dry and safe (although without power, internet or water) unfortunately, not everyone can say the same. 

On Monday, Sept. 30 I woke up to no less than six emails in my inbox asking for me to help the Journal get the word out about multiple outreach operations that were being organized. That evening I was on a Zoom call with local business owners, nonprofit leaders and more organizing an article on the various donation spots and volunteer requests which, at the time of this issue’s printing, volunteers with the donations should be ready to head out on Friday, Oct. 4. 

While I am incredibly thankful to our local organizations for their help, given the time tables and when this issue will be released, I’d like to give a spotlight to organizations based in the affected areas: 

• CORNERSTONE SUMMIT CHURCH lead by Pastor Reggie Hunt is located in Boone and is currently collecting donations and providing food, clothing, water, diapers and more for #MissionBoone. If anyone would like to donate or knows anyone looking to volunteer in the area they can contact Donations Coordinator: April Wilkinson (828) 964- 7126 and Volunteer Coordinator: Sarah Danner (704) 575-7068. Learn more at www.cornerstonesummit.org/hurricane-relief.
• APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY'S CAMPUS is also being utilized by nonprofit organizations in coordination with WATAUGA COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES:
  • Samaritan’s Purse: Tree work, debris cleanup, roof tarping and mud outs. Sign up at spvolunteer.org.
  • Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps: Coordinating volunteers with state and national emergency response teams.
  • Down Home NC is accepting volunteers daily to conduct door-to-door community outreach in various counties across Western NC. Visit Down Home NC’s Facebook and Instagram pages for volunteer opportunities.
• MONETARY DONATIONS CAN ALSO BE SENT TO:
  • App State Disaster Relief Recovery Fund (support impacted students, faculty and staff)
    • Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation (small business and community assistance) - boonechamber.com/foundation
      • North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund: nc.gov/donate

As you enjoy this issue, please take a moment to be thankful that most of our areas remain safe. 

Happy reading!