OLD FORT, N.C. — More than a week after Hurricane Helene devastated the Southeast, people across western North Carolina are still feeling the impacts of the storm, including residents in McDowell County who are still without food and running water.
That's why officials with Camp Grier are doing everything they can to help neighbors in need. Jason McDougald gave WCNC Charlotte a tour of the facilities on Monday. It's everything you remember about summer camp as a kid but with a twist.
"It's the same stuff, it's just in non-traditional ways," McDougald said.
Boxes were unloaded into the camp's dining hall. The commissary was extended into the dining room, but everything is free. Hundreds of people have donated food, water, detergent and necessities for impacted families.
"For now and the foreseeable future, this is where we pass out food," McDougald said.
The camp has running water and power. The staff is offering a hot shower and two free meals each day. Anything they need to get by. The facility is open daily, with hot meals being served from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"I saw a sign that said showers," Sally Hutchins said. "I hadn't had a shower in nine days."
Hutchins has been without power for nine days after a mudslide during the storm. On Monday, she enjoyed a bit of comfort that was made possible by strangers.
Camp Grier's slogan for decades is "Standing strong together." Now, a summer camp has become a beacon of hope for so many people.
"Right now this is self-funded," McDougald shared. "People have have donated to camp, or like the generator, a GoFundMe that a person did."
So while camp looks a little different than what you remember as a child, the feeling of what you take away remains the same.
Camp Grier is in desperate need of donations and volunteers to help distribute items to impacted families. Click here to make a donation.
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.