Bring joy to the world—and our state—with these WNC gifts found locally.
While you hustle about this holiday season, keep in mind our many WNC neighbors who no longer have a house to hustle home to. So many people and businesses lost everything—and although cleanup is well underway, it will take years for the community to completely rebuild back to where they were before. So, while you’re making your list and checking it twice, support our state—and surprise your loved ones—with these WNC gifts. Give directly to WNC at belovedasheville.com
At this point, we’ve all seen the images and videos of Hurricane Helene’s impact on Western North Carolina—cars and houses floating down murky waterways, trees pierced through roofs and entire roads washed away by mudslides. It’s uncomfortable to any viewer, and it’s absolutely devastating to WNC.
As a native of the mountains (specifically Hendersonville), I’ve felt both extremely lucky to be safe from the chaos and very helpless as I watched from afar as destruction tore through my hometown. And it’s difficult navigating what I can actually do to help my community and what just adds to the pandemonium.
So while we all want to help WNC, it’s best to postpone that fall getaway—at least for now. I am as disappointed as anyone about skipping a trip to the area for peak week and brewery-hopping, but the region is currently housing first responders in hotels normally meant for tourists—meaning they are in no position to handle visitors, even though visiting may feel helpful. Instead, here is how you can help the region recover from afar, while you (hopefully) gear up for next year’s trip.
Here’s how to support those in WNC affected by Hurricane Helene
Western NC needs our help in the face of absolutely heartbreaking devastation of Hurricane Helene across the mountain and foothills communities. So many have lost everything and are suffering without food, water, power—even cell service to let anyone know they need help.
Resources, money and manpower are needed to help on-the-ground volunteers across Western NC communities who are collecting and distributing a wide array of supplies. See the list below for some resources for how you can help.
Trophy Five Points will operate as an official collection point for Operation Airdrop, which is transporting supplies to Western NC. They’re accepting powdered sports drinks, baby wipes, diapers, baby formula, trash bags, sunscreen, nonperishable foods, cleaning supplies, toothbrushes/paste, pet food, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, gloves and more. 207 Bickett Blvd., Tues.–Fri. 10am–3pm
Throughout the month of October, Hummingbird is donating 10% of all proceeds from lunch service to World Central Kitchen.
Wye Hill is donating $1 from every pint of Luminous Beings sold to support of Hurricane Helene Disaster relief in partnership with the NC Brewers Guild.
Bring in donations to Boxcar and get 10 free tokens!
The Produce Box is offering Feeding Families Boxes for purchase that their team will then truck out to rural communities in Western North Carolina. Choose from $25, $50 or $100 boxes—or you can choose to donate any amount via Paypal.
The Longleaf Lounge is donating 100% of proceeds from its Appalachian Negroni to the Community Fund of Western NC.
Two Roosters is donating 100% of proceeds from its Appalachian Apple Stack Cake flavor to Samaritan’s Purse through Oct. 31.
Over in Durham, Ex-Voto is donating $1 of every Crunchwrap sold this month.
Shop Local Raleigh is selling special-made T-shirts benefiting WNC. Shoutout locals Chris Bushnell for the design, NC Craft Brewers Guild – Brewery Group for the back design and Red Bird Screen Printing! If you want a shirt, email [email protected] with your size and quantity.
Asheville’s Shiloh & Gaines is hosting an oyster roast Nov. 2 in collab with several local breweries—with oysters provided by Mera Brothers Oysters—to benefit NCRLA.
From Nov. 8 to Dec. 24, Crabtree Mall will be donating a portion of proceeds from its Photos With Santa to relief efforts.
Dave Matthews Band is hosting SOULSHINE, a benefit concert to aid relief and recovery efforts in Western North Carolina and Florida, at MSG Nov. 24.
Local Volunteer Opportunities
World Central Kitchen is seeking volunteers in Raleigh to help with food prep and delivery. Fill out the volunteer form here.
For live updates on the latest conditions, click here.
