November is a month to give thanks.  It is also a time of giving to show gratitude for what we have been blessed with.  In the wake of the disaster in Western North Carolina caused by Hurricane Helene, our community has come together to support our state and our community.  Many local residents have given their time, resources, and profits to help support our state.  We are thankful to live in a wonderful community and thankful for those who have donated supplies, time, and efforts toward this cause.

We would like to highlight the efforts of our community and suggest future ways to give back in the coming months.  

Amanda Cranfill volunteered her office location, Hillsdale Real Estate, to be a designated collection site for Hurricane Helene relief. "The response from Davie County has been tremendous!  Carrie and Alex McGuire offered their company box truck to us to store the donations. Davie County neighbors filled it to the brim with more than 6,000 lbs of supplies, food, and water on the first day," said Cranfill. She continued, "Candie Smith with Le Bleu Corporation in Advance called immediately to offer another pallet of water. Alex delivered the first truckload on the second day, headed for distribution in Asheville, NC by Samaritans Purse. The community filled it up again, and Alex took a load to Boone, NC on the third day. Several friends came to the office to help sort and organize the donations by category. We were touched by everyone's generosity and creativity in donating supplies--can openers, matchbooks, gas cans, children’s activities and coloring books, blankets and pillows.  Lori Smith's daughter, Maddison Smith Hampton shared an Amazon list on social media that resulted in deliveries three times a day, always with 90+ boxes each time. Incredible!"

Our team has prayed for those who are suffering in western NC. We prayed for each donation, and for God to be near to the recipients of these gifts. It has been an honor to have a small part in blessing our neighbors to our west, and we express our sincere gratitude to those who donated and volunteered their time to help us accomplish so much in three short days. May God continue to bless Davie County as we try to be the hands and feet of Jesus during this crisis. Future donations can be collected at Habitat in Bermuda Quay shopping center.

The business owners of Tanglewood Pizza Company offer their location as a collection site for supplies.  In partnership with Friends Baptist Church and Davie County Farm Bureau, they will continue to collect donations through the month of November and beyond.  Volunteers are taking donations up weekly and helping cut trees, clean debris, and houses, and handing out items to people in need. 

RISE Indoor Sports continues to collect donations and will be making additional trips to Ashe County and other affected WNC towns in support of the relief efforts.  Donations will be collected through the month of November. On Wednesday, October 2nd, a bus full of supplies donated by the community, Davie Construction Company, and Le Bleu were delivered to Ashe County, NC. Supplies included generators, gas tanks, bottled water, non-perishable goods, diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, chainsaws, shovels, and pet food.

Davie Tavern has strong ties to Boone, Banner Elk, West Jefferson, and Asheville and donated 25% of their net revenue for seven days in October to Samaritans Purse and other organizations that give 100% to hurricane relief.  In partnership with Steeleman’s Ace Hardware, they are collecting items for victims.  Donations can be made in a collection bin located at Ace Hardware, Advance, NC.  Allan Coats and Jeff Steeleman are coordinating efforts to deliver supplies to those in need.

On Thursday, Oct 3rd, Maddie Cakes Bakery hosted a fundraiser to benefit the hurricane relief.   They are donating five hundred dollars to Feeding Avery Families in Avery County, NC, and five hundred dollars to Community Table in Sylva, NC, thanks to Bermuda Run’s awesome community support! 

 

Please remember that donations and contributions don’t always have to be monetary.  There are many ways to show you care.  We encourage everyone to support our community and our state.

Also, be on the lookout for local blood drives.  The American Red Cross needs blood donations.  Upcoming local drives include Hillsdale Baptist Church on November 12th and The Davie County Public Library on November 21st.

A Storehouse for Jesus in Mocksville provides Thanksgiving meals to families in need in November.   You can contact them for details on how to provide meals along with dates available to give your time with sorting and packing of meals.  There are opportunities to volunteer in multiple ways along with helping to hand out meals.   This is a great way for children to get involved as well.  Please see the information listed on their social media.

In December, The Ronald McDonald House will coordinate the Light a Luminary fundraiser.  Bermuda Run has participated in the last two years.   The Ronald McDonald House provides support to families in need while caring for their loved ones.  This is a beautiful tribute and a holiday tradition.   Please see their information below.

Thank you to our extraordinary residents and community for your efforts this Season of Giving.