A lot has changed and it isn't always evident if you drive down Main Street in Waynesville. Most of the signs of devastation begin a few blocks away on Frog Level, out Pigeon Street towards Bethel and Cruso, or headed south to Hazelwood. Where I live, in the "back of beyond" that is the Fines Creek Community, about 18 miles from town in the northern part of Haywood County, bridges are still washed away or under repair, the interstate is closed. The distribution center set up in the Fines Creek Community Center is closing because there's no longer need for it. In Canton, the lasting signs of destruction still exist all over the middle of town. One of my best friends teaches at Pisgah High School and she said driving to work yesterday was incredibly hard for her. The sight of all the destruction was emotionally draining for her. Pisgah High School just got their football field back for their first season of home games last year after 2021's Tropical Storm Fred. This Tuscola Mountaineer is sending lots of love to those Pisgah Bears.
Speaking of school . . . the kids went back yesterday on a two hour delay and today was their first full day back in session. These kids have been through a lot. If they didn't experience loss, they still witnessed loss, and they're learning about everyone else's losses through volunteering for the past couple of weeks and by talking to their friends at school. I know I don't have to tell any teachers this, but now is the time to be patient and let some attitudes slide. We all need a little grace right now.
As the cold of fall has set in, emergency distribution centers need lots of good quality winter wear: thermals, jackets, gloves, scarves, head coverings, socks, boots, etc. And, as more and more people find their temporary roosts, their homes need to be repaired. So, construction materials, fixtures, fittings, gravel, concrete, lumber, etc. are all needed.
I have updated pages and links to include details on how to sign up to volunteer. I have never been to a church service at First United Methodist Church but, let me tell you, that place is coordinating volunteers and relief effort like a well-oiled machine. That's not to say smaller churches in the area aren't doing their part. They are doing everything they can and contributing enormously, and it reminds me of learning the parable of the widow from Mark 12 in Sunday School as a child. Government and private organizations are also here in full-force, sending out crews, assisting with disaster relief applications, distributing supplies. But, the thing that makes this region better than other places isn't the churches, the governing bodies, or the organizations (some of which showed up days after the devastation). The thing that makes it wonderful is the people who are out helping each other regardless of what you may hear or see in the news. Mountain folks are resilient and strong.
I've also added information on getting free reading glasses and sunglasses, unemployment help, assistance with buying groceries through the NC Department of Health and Human Services' Disaster SNAP program and more. And, I've searched online to delete places that are no longer providing services in an effort to prevent confusion. Click through the links and check out the new additions. Please let me know if I missed anything or need to remove anything.
Stay warm. Fall is here! (Maybe soon they'll open some of the recreation areas so we call all get out in the woods.)
