AVERY COUNTY, N.C. — Nonprofits and other organizations have been working around the clock to provide food and basic essential items for families impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Feeding Avery Families is a nonprofit food pantry in Avery County that serves residents of Avery County including Newland, Banner Elk, and Beech Mountain.
These are some of the hardest-hit areas in Western North Carolina, hit by Helene. Interim Executive Director Sally Loftis said the organization typically serves about 500 families in a month. Due to the storm, she said that's how many they served in just four days.
“Basically, what happens when somebody shows up, we get their name, how many in their household, and then we load them up,” Loftis said. “There’s no qualification. We've had people coming from Asheville, Spruce Pine, and Roan Mountain in Tennessee. We don't turn people away if they want food."
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Loftis said the organization is grateful for the many donations it's received from outside groups nationwide.
“Right now, we are trying to store as much of the supplies as possible,” Loftis said. “I would say the need is going to be great for months. I know people feel a sense of urgency to kind of get it now, but don't forget us, we're in this for a long time and maybe think about bringing supplies again in a month.”
Heading into the colder months, Feeding Avery Families is asking for donations like blankets and mini propane tanks. They are also accepting financial contributions.