Support a Family Hit by Hurricane Helene

Hey there! This is Kristin from Homewood, Alabama. In January, my husband Josh and I drove propane tanks, heaters, blankets, and power tools to some folks in Barnardsville, North Carolina. A friend connected us to this rural community, which was devastated by the floods during Hurricane Helene.

The community has received little relief, and the livelihoods of good folks have been stripped away.

I checked in this week to see how one particular family was faring. We met Dewayne, his wife, and son on our trip. Dewayne is a welder and lost almost all of his equipment as he watched rising waters destroy his work shed from his house uphill. His family has been in survival mode since late September, making it through several rounds of freezing temperatures and propane shortages this winter, but Dewayne desperately needs to return to work. His wife works full-time as a teacher in Asheville, but it's not enough, and his workspace was not insured.

Many of you helped with our initial supply of propane to keep this community warm through the winter, and they are all so grateful for angels like you who make them feel seen. After our January scouting trip, many of you also voiced a desire to help get Dewayne back to work. I truly believe that we can easily do this!!

Here is my plan. Bit by bit, raise enough to buy his equipment at the Lowe's in Weaverville, NC. My new friend Ralph will retrieve anything we buy and take it directly to Dewayne. He said he would be grateful for any brand, but I say, let's shoot for Dewalt, his brand of choice, so that his equipment can last a while!

Here is a list of power tools needed:

Dewalt 10-in 15-amp Corded Portable Jobsite Table Saw with Foldable Rolling Stand $549

Dewalt 12-in 15-amp Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Corded Miter Saw $499

Kobalt Air Compressor 6-Gallon $299

Dewalt 20V 2-tool Brushless Power Tool Combo Kit w/ Soft Case $229

Dewalt 15-amp 7 1/4-in Corded Circular Saw $159

I'll start with the most expensive item first and work my way down the list. When we have raised enough money to cover these items plus Weaverville's 10% sales tax, I will end the fundraiser.

Thank you and please forward to anyone who may want to help! I believe that helping this one man and his family can have a ripple effect on their community!