Help Drew Reed Restore Western North Carolina

My name is Drew Reed. I own a business in Central Pennsylvania. I have the ability and the motivation to head back down south to help the great people of western North Carolina. I am taking my skid loader and hoping to have my (Mark Smith's) excavator delivered down as well. My plan is to go into Swannanoa, Black Mountain, and other areas in Buncombe County, with the hopes of helping people clean up and rebuild. I’m entering into this mission with my own resources and the help of our loving God. I’m going to continue to pray, and show up ready and able to work, and I know God will do the rest. I’m planning on staying for a few weeks, coming home for Thanksgiving, then going back down between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Below is a list of items I anticipate needing funding for, as well as a brief description of what I’ve been able to put together so far with lots of help from my Community!! Your prayers and any monetary donation you can make will help me, help more people!

Things I plan to help with:

Rebuild Driveways - Debris Removal

Regrade drainage areas - Tree removal

Debris clean up

Things I’ll need to purchase:

Fuel Drainage pipe - Oil

Driveway Stone - Culvert pipe

Lumber - Saws/Chains

Back on the weekend after the hurricane, I took the opportunity to help a community in desperate need. Nearly 10 years ago, I found myself in a desperate place myself. I was in the midst of beginning my recovery from drug addiction and needed a community to start over in. To this point, while in my active addiction, I wasn't a productive member of any community. I chose to move to Asheville, NC in December of 2014. The community of Asheville, without even knowing it, rallied around me and helped save my life when I needed saving. So when the devastation took place, God put it on my heart to do more than just "pray for these people."

I reached out to Cressa Coldsmith, with the thought of having Grand Point Church join me in filling my 40' trailer. Cressa eagerly accepted and put out the request to our congregation (3 campuses). Little did I know, God had even bigger plans!

During the 3 days that we were accepting donations, I was overwhelmed with the continued outpouring of support. I had to call in some additional resources to be able to haul it all.

That's where Jerry JB Bates from New Freedom Services and John Maggie Lloyd from Noah's House jumped in and volunteered a few trucks, as well as manpower to assist with loading and unloading in NC. Without hesitation, Steve & Virginia Coover from Jalex volunteered the use of their box truck. Donald Siko also volunteered to bring his truck, trailer, and side by side. By Friday night, we were pulling out of GPC with a total of 3 trucks/trailers and 2 box trucks full. So full, that we actually had to leave behind a few skids of water. (Not to worry, I'll see it gets to WNC)

Fast forward through the long night of driving, we arrived at the Trinity of Fairview in Fletcher, NC. This church and its people were extraordinary! They were so extremely grateful for the supplies. Within an hour of arriving, all the trucks were unloaded and directly put into the distribution area to be distributed to those in need. While I was there, I made sure to make a supply run to the men of Otter House Wellness and Clayton Schoettle.

The people of western North Carolina are some of the most resilient people I've had the pleasure of being with. Without power, without running water, this church pushed through and set up a complete distribution center, including feeding 2 hot meals a day to anyone who showed up.

Not having power couldn't stop this group from worshipping with its people! So, right atop my trailer, Trinity of Fairview held one of the most beautiful worship services I've ever been a part of. The love of Jesus just shines through these people, even in the midst of tragedy.

I saw some things I wish I hadn't. I saw devastation like I've never seen before, even in the 23 years I was in Fire/EMS. The people of western North Carolina will need your continued prayers. If you are able, and you have the means, please consider donating your time. YOU WILL NOT BE TURNED AWAY. There's so many people that need help. Please don't forget about these communities. It will take years to clean this all up.

Thank you all who prayed, donated, and supported this mission. It was one of success and a humbling experience.

#HurricaneHelene #westernnorthcarolina #hurricanerelief #ashevillenc #swannanoa #blackmountain

God Bless & Thank you all,

Drew Reed

Shippensburg, Pa