Support Hurricane Relief Efforts in Rutherford County & WNC
Donation protected
Over the past few days, I’ve received countless messages from friends, family, and colleagues asking, “How can I help?” Many of you know my deep connection to Western North Carolina, having shared my stories of growing up in Rutherford County, NC, experiencing the magic of towns and villages like Forest City, Rutherfordton, Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Green Hill, Bills Creek and ALL the incredible communities beyond that makeup Western North Carolina.
The need is great--from all perspectives. Right now, one of the best ways to help is through direct support to the local organizations on the ground, working tirelessly to provide food, shelter, and essential services to those impacted. These grassroots organizations and local leaders know the area better than anyone and don’t need complicated layers to access the necessary funds or goods. They are the heartbeat of our community—volunteer fire departments, first responders, churches, and ministries—and they are overwhelmed with requests for help, especially from senior citizens, those with children, and those without shelter. Additionally, there is a need to provide hot meals for the massive outpouring of workers and volunteers that are coming to the area to serve on restoring power and infrastructure. One area often overlooked is all the small business restaurant owners running around the clock (on their dime) to provide hot meals for all the linemen, tree service volunteers, and medical volunteers in these communities away from their homes to support their neighboring towns. This will be a long game—the longest that anyone in these counties has ever experienced. This is just one tiny way to come together and help those serving on the ground.
Even in areas that didn’t suffer direct storm damage, the loss of power and water has left many struggling. It’s been four days (and counting) without power in some places, and the necessities are running low. I’ve spoken to friends, my family, and the leaders of some of these organizations, and they need immediate assistance. Together, we can make a real difference by providing them with the resources to serve others—even if it is a hot meal or a cup of coffee.
I encourage everyone to support how they feel most compelled, as many wonderful organizations are helping the entire region. This focus is on the small towns and communities. Your support makes a difference regardless of where you are and how you give. The goal here is to use my network of friends who have reached out asking how to help directly and use the power and force multiplier of community, service to others, compassion, and generosity to support those on the ground, especially in Rutherford County. Plus, a few friends reminded me that I know a little about how the organizations work and nudged me to do what I coach others to do-- ask for support. Therefore, I invite you to join a few of us in the circle.
This GoFundMe will ensure that 100% of what we raise (minus GoFundMe’s fees) goes directly to these organizations and restaurant owners who know how to stretch every dollar and make the most impact in Rutherford County and neighboring communities whose lives have been upended.
Thank you for reaching out and offering your support and, more importantly, your continued prayers and generosity. I am happy to answer any questions or collaborate. It is going to take all of us.
Below are some businesses and organizations we are directly working with. Some have already received their support, and others will receive it over the next two weeks. Again, thanks!
These are restaurants in Forest City and Rutherford County that have served meals (for free) to linemen, crew, and volunteers working 20 hours a day to restore power. Many of the owners and their staff have not had power. We are making direct contributions to the owners of these small businesses to help support their cost of feeding and staff. I've attached their Facebook pages.
Waynes:
Slims Grill
Big Dave's
Maples on Main
Don Ramon's
Rutherford County School Foundation Backpack Program. (501(c)(3) educational foundation that provides basic necessities through their 16 public school communities in Rutherford County, NC. They have an established distribution hub and have already served 600 families in the last 3 days and expect to serve 4000 over the next three months.
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Mosaic Hope Foundation (a 501(c)(3) serving foster children and families in Rutherford County, McDowell County and support surrounding counties. Donating supplies and $ for a baby formula program (along with water)
Least of These Carolinas (501(c)(3) serving foster children and families in Western NC (18 counties). We are funding a gasoline program where they bought 35 5-gallon tanks, filled them and delivered them on 10/1/2024. ($1,000)
Out of These Ashes (501(c)(3) emergency shelter and recovery center. Housing 35+ displaced families from Rutherford County. Donating $ and supplies
Thanks,
Randy
Organizer
Randy Peterson
Organizer
Charlotte, NC