GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — If one thing is clear, Triad residents are eager to make life easier for those in the western part of North Carolina.
GetOutdoors Pedal & Paddle is one of countless stores collecting donations. Tuesday volunteers were taping up boxes to be filled with tuna, pet food and baby supplies. Once everything is packed up it will be taken to the airport and flown west.
For one volunteer, the mountain community is close to his heart.
"I have many friends up there, thankfully they were all able to evacuate. I am still waiting to hear back from a couple of people in more remote places in the mountains. I think all of us kayakers have a sense of connection to the communities where we paddle," said volunteer, Mike Radionchenko.
As supplies make their way west, a hot meal is on its way too. The owner of Southern Roots Restaurant & Catering in Jamestown is planning to feed thousands next week. She is getting a plan in place to set up an outdoor kitchen in areas that are still without power.
"I know that I am put here by God to feed people whether they can pay for it or not. I know this is what I'm supposed to do right now. I just know it because it's so on my heart and I know when somethings like that to me, that's God speaking to me to go and serve and that's what we're going to do," exclaimed owner, Lisa Hawley.
If you have plans to send resources to western North Carolina remember to coordinate with North Carolina Emergency Management, Business Emergency Operations Center. It is crucial for them to keep supply lines open. People will also want to avoid getting turned away at various checkpoints.
The state advises volunteers or people bringing supplies to email logistics or movement to BEOC@ncdps.gov, begin the subject line with: Logistics Support.