In a recent government meeting, officials highlighted the remarkable community response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina and Florida. Donations poured in from residents, primarily from Cornelius, as local volunteers mobilized to support relief efforts.
The police department initiated a donation drive immediately following the storm, quickly becoming overwhelmed by the generosity of the community. By Sunday, just a day after the storm, the department was already running out of space to store the incoming supplies. In response, officials relocated the donation hub to town hall, where they could accommodate the growing influx of items.
From Wednesday to Friday, the community collected a wide array of supplies, ultimately sending approximately 14 trailers filled with donations to hard-hit areas, including Avery, Yancey, and Ash Counties, as well as Black Mountain and Swannanoa. Local police officers played a crucial role, making daily trips to deliver supplies directly to communities that were difficult to access.
The meeting underscored the power of community solidarity in times of crisis, showcasing how local efforts can significantly impact recovery in the aftermath of natural disasters.