Maia Toll Hurricane Helene Relief Fund

The twister came through our valley around 9:30am the morning hurricane Helene swept through Asheville. It was oddly silent-- no howling wind. The trees would swirl then still. Then my husband Andrew yelled, "Maia move!" as a large black oak bounced onto the roof. Later we would venture out to find trees like pick up sticks fallen at all four points of the compass. Later we learned the culvert at the end of our driveway and the bridge at the end of our road were both impassable. We still have a while before electric will be restored.

Hi friends. So many of you have wanted to help... and it's been frustrating to both us and you that there is simply no way-- at this stage-- to assist unless you are a trained arborist or carpenter.

This GoFundMe is our answer to that. The money raised will help restore the house and land (we have hundreds of trees down), especially since our shop--Herbiary-- will be open limited hours (and thus we are on limited income) while the city of Asheville restores the water system over the next few months. Depending on when funds arrive, they may also be used for additional power sources as we still have no electricity.

Insurance will cover most house damage. But no one covers safe removal of the countless trees down on the property and we will need to rebuild the bridge over the creek at the bottom of our driveway (the creek went from a 4' meander to a 20' rager and hollowed out the culvert).

THAT SAID, those of you who know us know we are incredibly resourceful. I am going to be offering developmental editing and coaching for authors to bring in funds for this property. Please pass this along to anyone who might be in need of book help. They can email [email redacted]

There are people out there in horrific need who do not have these sorts of skill sets and resources. Andrew gave a ride to a couple a few days back who had one shoe between the two of them.

So if you are wanting to send me, personally, a little love, this is the place.

If you are wanting instead to contribute to the greater good, please consider donating to:

If you are specifically wanting to support the Western North Carolina herbal community, our local Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine has a GoFundMe here.

So much love and gratitude,

Maia Toll