Faith-based aid workers delivered holiday meals across Western North Carolina’s mountain region, reaching families still rebuilding from Hurricane Helene’s widespread destruction.
Teams from Samaritan’s Purse distributed complete turkey dinners to residents in Yancey County, where many households continue recovery efforts more than two months after the devastating storm struck their communities.
The operation centered at Big Creek Freewill Baptist Church, where congregants now worship under a temporary tent structure after floodwaters severely damaged their building. Local residents arrived seeking both provisions and prayer support.
“That was absolutely wonderful,” said Veronica Willis, describing recent winter clothing distributions. “We were digging into those coats like it was Christmas time. I’ve never seen so much outpouring of love.”
The initiative built upon earlier emergency response efforts that included airlifts of water, generators and medical supplies to isolated areas. Retired U.S. Army Gen. Dick Cody supported these operations using his personal aircraft to reach cut-off communities.
For church deacon Rick Wilson, the ongoing assistance reminds isolated mountain residents they haven’t been forgotten. He witnessed multiple relief flights landing near his home during critical periods when ground transportation proved impossible.
Local survivor Felicia Honeycutt expressed gratitude despite facing continued challenges. “This Thanksgiving I’m just thankful to be alive,” she said, noting her family’s rare opportunity to gather completely this year.
The organization maintains active volunteer teams in affected areas, helping residents clear damaged properties as mountain communities prepare for winter weather while continuing their recovery process.
