From the North Carolina and Tennessee Federations
Update from Kay Wildt, President, North Carolina Federation of Republican Women
When Hurricane Helene roared across western North Carolina and devastated both the High Country and Asheville, the storm caused billions of dollars of damage. But more importantly, it affected the lives of thousands of North Carolinians. NC Emergency Management urges the public not to go to the worst-hit areas, cautioning that only trained personnel should enter the area.
We have not yet heard from every one of our clubs, but we know from reports that there are deaths and catastrophic property losses in the High Country and Asheville areas of western North Carolina. Help is on the way from first responders and other emergency workers, and supplies are coming in by helicopter.
The best way to help the disaster-plagued areas in North Carolina is by supporting the efforts listed below. Once the critical phase is settled, we will learn exactly what our members need, and we will respond to their requests.
Franklin Graham's disaster relief group, Samaritan's Purse, located in Boone, NC, is already working in place in NC's High Country and in hard-hit Asheville, as well as in Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. In addition, Samaritan's Purse in Watauga County has disaster teams on the ground, and they are looking for volunteers to help homeowners with cleanup. More information
Trump Force 47 offices across NC are collecting non-perishable goods, clothing, batteries, and other items to donate to disaster relief efforts.
If you would like to make a monetary donation, we suggest two local groups that are based in North Carolina and know the communities and roads:
Update from Sharon Boreing, President, Tennessee Federation of Republican Women
I want to start by thanking each of you for your prayers, texts, calls, and donations to East Tennessee following the ground-zero destruction of our beautiful part of the state.
In my younger years, my husband and I participated in many mission trips both in America and abroad. The worst destruction we ever worked in was after Hurricane Katrina. We traveled several times to Louisiana and Mississippi to help those in need for over two years. During that time, it was eye-opening to see how destruction can drastically change lives through the loss of life and the loss of all material items.
There are many things one walks away with after helping in such devastation, but my number one takeaway has always been that God is in control. It’s amazing how things that were once important may no longer hold that significance. The loss of life is incredibly hard—truly heartbreaking. No one ever wants to hear about a life being lost in such destruction. Just yesterday, a body was found here in East Tennessee, one the day before that, and 40 the day before that.
I thought of Katrina as I started seeing the pictures and videos, knowing this will take time. Some have lost everything—even land. Yes, land, when you consider how the river has changed its course. There is talk about whether we will get that road back or that bridge at that location. I could say a lot more about the destruction, but I won’t. I just want to say thank you again! Thank you for your prayers! Thank you for all the hard work you do in your areas! I want us to continue the “good fight together”!
I reached out to U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, and this is her message to us: “On Saturday and again on Tuesday, I joined Governor Lee, Senator Hagerty, and local leaders to survey the significant damage done to homes, businesses and communities by the flooding. We spent time visiting with victims and working with elected officials and community leaders as they work to care for those in need and begin recovery efforts. East Tennesseans have a long road ahead of them during this recovery and rebuilding. It will not be easy but our state is resilient, and I am so encouraged by all of the agencies and volunteers who have quickly mobilized. From first responders jumping into action to neighbors lending a helping hand, the Volunteer Spirit is strongly felt. Please continue to pray for the communities who have seen unimaginable devastation. If you are able, you can join the volunteer efforts at https://tnvoad.org/volunteer/ or donate to a fund organized by President Trump for those impacted at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-hurricane-helene-victims-with-president-trump.” - Senator Marsha Blackburn
The following is a message sent from U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty and Chrissy Hagerty: "Chrissy and I ask you to remain in prayer for those impacted by Hurricane Helene. We are all hands on deck, and your support will help us rebuild for those who have lost everything. Please continue to stay involved and, if you are able, donate." - Senator Bill Hagerty
Governor Lee’s response: “The Volunteer State continues to provide key assistance & updates for impacted communities across Upper East TN following Hurricane Helene. We urge Tennesseans across the region to follow local guidance and visit TN/TEMA for complete list of resources.”
Our Federated Republican Women in the area are taking food, distributing food, and addressing all other needs wherever they can in their communities and beyond. We are making phone calls to check on all members, working with our church, schools, and Ruritans. Our women are answering the call to help in so many ways that it would be impossible to list them all!
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