Where There is Darkness, Light

Keith Thomson’s Chevy Bolt has hauled hundreds of pounds of water and microgrid components to communities in need.

Hurricane Helene and her devastation of Western North Carolina has left us heartbroken. The roots which run deep through our mountains and hollers anchor not just long leaf pines and sturdy oaks. They carry our spirit and our resolve, our resilience and our strength.

Shop WNC

A new website, shopwnc.com, was created by volunteers in North Carolina counties impacted by Tropical Storm Helene, dedicated to helping to support mountain region communities and small businesses that endured significant losses due to the storm.

The site includes a variety of online shops, artist galleries, restaurants and more — as you shop this holiday season, please consider supporting these Western North Carolina businesses!

Our peaks teach us the value of a cast iron skillet, the honor in a family name. Our hollers comfort us with front porch wisdom bestowed by a Mamaw or a Papaw who had lived a long life and had “seen a thing or two.” Our diverse communities built by all creeds, kinds, kinfolk and tribal elders pass on our traditions and our way of life as it was passed down generation to generation long before us.

Naming the names of the countless first-responders, linemen, retired veterans, active miliary, volunteers, government personnel, business owners, church organizations, neighbors and friends who continue to answer the call to serve Western North Carolina is an impossible task. But permit me to share the actions and reflections of a few to offer comfort and hope for the days to come.

In Buncombe County, Keith Thomson, cofounder of the Critical Services Microgrid Group, sprang into action. From delivering 600 pounds of water in his Chevy Bolt to installing temporary microgrids for folks in need of power, he’s another example of service to a greater good.

One of his first stops was a medical center and Givens Estates retirement community. “The spark plug on their generator had failed, and they did not have grid power. So, we took them solar generator batteries, and they were able to power ventilators.”

“The redemptive piece of this tragedy is folks were treating each other kindly. People with the least were helping the most. And that’s what mountain people do,” Keith says with pride.

“The redemptive piece of this tragedy is folks were treating each other kindly. People with the least were helping the most. And that’s what mountain people do.”

His focus turns to the future, “We take for granted our ability to have internet, running water, power. But all of that suddenly went away. So, while we process and grieve, we have to think about how we can build back stronger for future generations.”

Summit Pickleball, in partnership with the Boone Chamber of Commerce, Cornerstone Church and Watauga High, became and remains a safe harbor in Boone for folks impacted by the storm. Crystal Smith and Grant Williams, co-owners of the facility, turned their space into a distribution hub for supplies.

“Community is everything,” Crystal shares. “It’s the main reason I’m still in Boone. This town is resilient. It’s giving, it’s inclusive, it’s uplifting and at any point always willing to lend a hand. There are no strangers in a small town — in some way, we are all connected.”

Crystal recounts feeling inspired by the volunteers. “They came from all over. Some days we had over 40. We had a gentleman from Kentucky make multiple trips with donations and folks from Virginia and Ohio. We had six college guys from East Carolina University. It was a beautiful thing to watch.”

Volunteers move supplies at Summit Pickleball in Boone.

“The hurricane may have destroyed, it may leave scars we wish to erase, but it also left an impression on just how beautiful community can be,” she continues. “How we can work together as one, not knowing who is beside you or caring — only seeing the bigger picture. Where there is darkness, light always finds it.”

On behalf of us who call Western North Carolina home, a heartfelt thank you to our family, friends, and neighbors from across the state and country helping us rebuild.