SWANNANOA, N.C. — Eleven days after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, Swannanoa residents are still coping without water, power, and necessary supplies.
Swannanoa is 10 miles from Asheville, N.C., and close to Chimney Rock. The communities are in the heart of the devasation caused by Hurricane Helene.
Knox County residents have a rich tradition of helping folks experiencing hardship or loss. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, they rallied quickly to provide much-needed supplies, with several groups collecting and delivering supplies to Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina communities hard-hit by the hurricane.
Mount Vernon resident Dave Culbertson and his wife, Ellen, are among the residents who are helping with the relief effort. He reached out to a Swannanoa church whose members were volunteering.
“The spirit of the people is amazing.”
dave culbertson
The Culbertsons and driver Al Harter left Mount Vernon Wednesday morning, drove to Swannanoa, unloaded supplies, and drove back in 22 hours.
“We had no challenges gaining access to the community, although many of the streets were nearly impossible,” Culbertson said. “We ended up driving over downed power lines, around parts of houses in the road, and everybody’s debris.”
“Dozens and dozens of houses were marked with spray paint, marking them as condemned and marking them that they have been checked for victims or bodies.”
Culbertson’s group unloaded the supplies at a distribution center that used to be a warehouse and is now a sports facility.
Hurricane Helene unearths a resilient spirit
Culbertson said the spirit of the people helping their neighbors and their spirituality struck him the most.
“Driving around Swannonoa, we never saw anybody panhandling or begging for help. Just the opposite,” he said. “Everywhere we looked, signs offered free food, water, and essentials.
“Of course, I didn’t know who were locals and who were volunteers coming from outside, but there were positive vibes in their facial expressions and eyes, and a sincere feeling of gratitude and generosity. “
Culbertson said the church members offered them a hot meal at the church when they finished unloading supplies.
“We joined them for a bit of fellowship and breaking bread. It was heartbreaking, yet heartwarming at the same time, talking to the people,” he said.
Culbertson will take another load of supplies to Swannonoa on Wednesday, Oct. 16. The deadline to drop off donations is 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Community members can drop off donations at Culbertson’s Howard Hannah office, 1485 Yauger Road. Cash, Venmo (@David-Culbertson-29), or checks payable to Dave Culbertson are accepted. When writing checks, put “Hurricane relief” in the subject line.
The Swannanoah volunteers said the following items are an urgent need:
Grills, charcoal & propane
Bags of charcoal
Propane canisters
Portable camping showers
Air mattresses
Sleeping bags
Camping cots
Portable cook stoves
Propane heaters
Camping pans and utensils
Griddles
Cooking/grilling grates to put on a campfire
Folding tables
Plastic or metal shelving in boxes
Tarps
Baby formula & baby food
New socks, underwear, Long johns, leggings
No used clothing except hoodies and sweats
(Dave Culbertson shared the following photos from his trip to Swannanoah, NC.)
