On Friday, September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene slammed into the Southeastern United States with a fury few could have predicted. The storm left a trail of destruction: homes shattered, power lines downed and entire communities isolated. In the worst-hit areas, people found themselves stranded without access to basic necessities like food, water and electricity. While many fled to safety, others were left stranded in the wreckage. Helene’s impact was particularly devastating in rural areas, where recovery efforts are still ongoing.

The Rotary Club of Asheville South, like many Rotary clubs around the world, operates on the principle that a single individual or group can make a meaningful difference. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, this philosophy was put into action. Club members quickly organized a relief effort to deliver crucial supplies to communities cut off by the storm.

Rotary Club of Asheville South president and Biltmore Park resident Mike Stone said, “Our club came together on a moment’s notice to deliver generators, baby supplies, pet food, you name it. It was amazing.” And it all started with one text message from the Mountaintop Rotary Club in Highlands, North Carolina. One person had a contact at one club in Hilton Head and made one call to connect. Then, in a remarkable display of Rotary’s spirit of collaboration, members from the Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island stepped up in a big way. They organized and loaded a truck full of essential supplies and personally drove it up to the hardest-hit areas in North Carolina. This long journey demonstrated how interconnected Rotary clubs are, with each one supporting the other in times of need. The huge truck, filled with lifesaving resources, was a symbol of hope and unity as it arrived to the sound of cheers and waves from local Rotarians at Biltmore Park Clubhouse, Asheville South Club’s meeting place.

Generators quickly became one of the most critical needs in the aftermath of the hurricane. For many families, the ability to bring power into their homes for light, refrigeration, powering medical devices and even communication systems was a lifeline. Asheville South’s initiative went beyond just delivering machines; thanks to the Hilton Head club, they made sure each family also received a canister of gas, oil and an extension cable, meaning that the generators could be up and running upon delivery.

But more than just supplies, what Rotary also brought was a message: You are not alone. 

The power of one, whether it’s one person, one club or one act, was felt in every handshake, every hug, every delivery and every smile exchanged as communities slowly began to rebuild. Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” is more than just a slogan. It’s a way of life, and the efforts of the Rotary Club of Asheville South and their Rotary partners during Hurricane Helene prove just how powerful this ethos can be. Governments and large organizations are essential in times of disaster, yet Rotary shows that smaller, local efforts can have an equally profound impact.

As recovery efforts continue, FEMA and larger aid organizations are still mobilized in our hometown. Rotary also remains at the forefront of providing assistance and support to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Our local nonprofits are stretched like never before and are in need of volunteers to sort through the enormous response to donations. Their work is far from over, yet the legacy of all our community spirit and actions during the storm is a testament to the power of one and a reminder that each of us has the ability to make a difference, no matter how overwhelming the challenge may seem.