Help Restore Doug's Workshop and Community

Surviving Hurricane Helene: The Mackenzie Story

As many know, Hurricane Helene has recently destroyed many parts of our beautiful country with the hardest hit in North Carolina, Georgia and Florida. As we’ve seen in news reports and YouTube videos, the devastation that wiped out the small town of Marshall, North Carolina is unimaginable. While there is help on the ground with many selfless volunteers, it will still take years to recover.

What we cannot see in the videos is the massive amounts of debris from a chemical plant up river that leached chemicals in the water that flooded Marshall. Much of what might look salvageable is not. Respirators and special suits are required when clearing out the mud and debris.

This is a story about my husband’s best friend, Doug Mackenzie and his wife Bonnie, who were luckier than most. They were able to evacuate in time with their vehicles. When they returned to Marshall, the devastation was overwhelming. In addition to losing the first floor of their home, Doug also lost everything in his workshop which is his livelihood.

While Doug and Bonnie are likely out right now helping others rebuild, they cannot possibly calculate the financial, physical and emotional impact of restoring their lives. Many of their friends up North feel helpless and have expressed that they want to contribute in some way.

So, with their permission (and reluctance), we started a Go Fund Me Page to let them know that they are not alone. The funds will go towards replacing the lost equipment and tools, and remediate and fortify Doug Mackenzie's workshop in Marshall, NC.

We appreciate anything you can contribute along with posting words of encouragement for our friend.

Thank you.

Charlie & Bob White

Milford, NJ