HINTON, W. Va. -Hundreds of thousands of people continue to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, with the hardest hit areas are in the cleanup and recovery phase from the massive storm. While there’s plenty of damage to deal with, some people are making an effort to assist those hit hardest by Helene, such as one Appalachian-based nonprofit who are planning to deliver relief supplies supplies and are asking for your help as well.
“Backroads of Appalachia” is traditionally focused on tourism and motorsports, but during times of need, it turns its focus to helping others. The non-profit will be taking supplies down to western North Carolina as part of the “Great Appalachian Relief Run.”
Summers County Commissioner Michael Gore says, when he found out about this, he believed that those in our area could help as well. The City of Hinton supplied the location for this help: the “Wild Water Express” water park.
Starting on Monday, October 7th and going through Wednesday, October 9th, people can drop off supplies at the waterpark from 6:00 pm through 8:00 pm.
They are asking for supplies such as bottled water, nonperishable food, diapers, baby formula, and propane. To prepare for the cold, they are also asking for winter coats as well. In addition, with many people losing everything, things like toys and coloring books for kids and word puzzles for adults can help these people take their mind off the devastation around them.
“…Summers County and Hinton are very giving to people in need, and I hope this will be a great event for them to show how much they care,” says Michael Gore.
“Well, the other thing too is, you know, we’re Appalachians helping Appalachians, that’s what we’re here to do, and we want to take care of our people… because some day we might need them,” says Jedediah Smith, director of operations for Backroads of Appalachia.
Their first day set up at the water park saw many people stop by, delivering everything from blankets to pet food.
Backroads of Appalachia will be taking the supplies down to North Carolina at the end of the week and are planning on making multiple trips as well.
For a full list of the needed supplies and more information about the organization, you can check out Backroads of Appalachia’s Facebook page. You can also find their website here.
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