LANSING, N.C. — In downtown Lansing, located in Ashe County, shopping cart after shopping cart is filled to the brim with food and drinks.
All of it comes from local businesses that have been destroyed since Helene swept across western North Carolina late last week. Many business owners told WFMY News 2 reporter Nixon Norman on Tuesday that they will have to start from scratch.
Part of the reason Helene caused so much destruction in the region was simply that the residents were not prepared for it. Many citizens and business owners don't have flood insurance, meaning a lot of them will have to start over with basically nothing.
Shelby Tramel, who opened Old Orchard Creek General Store three years ago, said she is still trying to come to terms with the destuction brought on by the storm.
"This building sits in a 100-year flood zone. And so whenever I purchased the building, I was told there's no way that that's ever going to happen, so I did not get flood insurance," Tramel said. "It's hard to even compartmentalize all the different pieces that it will take to put it back together, and kind of even envision a timeline of what it could look like, so it's just day by day right now."
It's a similar story for James Heart, co-owner of C.J.'s Market. While his business took on heavy damage, he's trying to see the silver lining in a tough situation.
"I feel worse for the people that lost their homes," Heart said "I'm happy that I have a home to go home to right now. I have power in it and I'm tickled. You know, I'm blessed. But I see the good here and like I say, my only idea is to get down here every day and keep going and keep fighting."
Heart said he is working to clean the inside of his store to create a makeshift food pantry. It shows just how far residents in the area are willing to go to help out their neighbors.
If you have been affected by Helene, here's a list of helpful resources.
Looking for ways to support residents of western North Carolina affected by Helene? We've compiled a list of reputable organizations who are already delivering aid, and you can find it here.
If you would like to donate online to the American Red Cross, you can use the following link: WFMY News 2 is supporting the American Red Cross.