The absolute chaos that comes with natural disasters is one that leaves even the most practiced and experienced person stunned and left with more questions than answers. We have seen such effects in Sullivan County, with near-biblical flooding in the early 2000s, and more recently, tornados touching down in Roscoe.

These increasing instances of dramatic weather are as scary as they are real. And while Sullivan County may not have been directly in the paths of the devastating storms like Helene and Milton, so many of our neighbors and friends have places in Florida and western North Carolina that they might frequent, or know people that they care about that do live in those places.

No man is an island, but no storm takes that into account. When rain turns to washing away structures, its violent fury is incredible. These storms take down entire communities. While rescue operations continue for the estimated hundreds of people still missing thanks to Helene’s rage, we continue our prayers for the searchers and the victims that they be found swiftly and safely. We also hope Milton’s strength only wanes and its path of destruction is small. 

As the storm hit landfall late Wednesday night off the coast of Florida, many people either had to evacuate to safety or try to weather the heavy rains and flooding in their homes.

One characteristic that we all share between Sullivan County, western North Carolina and central Florida is that unyielding volunteers and emergency professionals reside in all these locations. With that being said, we want to thank every single person who lent a hand, raised money, cooked a meal, prepped a care package and everything else that was done in the interest of helping all those impacted by these ravaging storms.

All of these good actions, no matter how small, have a ripple effect that spread out into the world. 

It inspires towering levels of kindness and mindfulness, and it’s no secret that so many people in our country need as much of that sentiment that we can give.