CHARLOTTE, N.C. — What started as a couple of volunteers looking to help western North Carolina in the wake of Helene has now grown into an effort resulting in hundreds of donations and several volunteers strong.
"Next thing you know, it just turns into a caravan," said Bryan Pierce, one of the organizers.
Pierce teamed up with friends like Merissa Jones and Andy Fenstermaker to take supplies to the hardest-hit areas.
For Jones, it's personal.
"I've been crying for two weeks," she said. "I'm going to try not to cry talking to you, but these are my neighbors."
Jones was in Hendersonville visiting her mother for her 70th birthday when the storm hit. They were trapped for days without power.
"I got stuck there because we had trees down and mud on the roads and no power, no communication with anybody," said Jones. "We didn't have even 911 service until Sunday."
Once they were able to leave, Jones wasted no time before volunteering where she was needed most, especially as the supplies needed most started to change.
"It's a moving target right now," Jones said. "There's about to be a cold snap, and the thing that is needed is cold weather gear, clothing - especially children's clothing - that's in good shape and clean."
Fenstermaker has been working to get these supplies into the areas that are least accessible to rescue crews.
"Some of the places that I've gotten into, I've been the first person to bring stuff in," Fenstermaker said. "They're calling me with specific needs because they see you showing up, and they and they see you doing those things,
Fenstermaker is working to build these connections so they can streamline their efforts to be as efficient and helpful as possible.
"It's community building," Fenstermaker said. "That's pretty common in Appalachia, in the culture of Appalachia, and it's just beautiful to see that sort of thing happening."
They just launched a GoFundMe to continue their efforts. You can also drop off supplies at Buona Vita Restaurant, The Roasting Company, Carmella's, and Jeff's Bucket Shop.
Contact Julie Kay at juliekay@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.