Relief Organization Brings Holiday Meals To Hurricane-Battered NC Mountain Towns
Samaritan’s Purse delivered Thanksgiving provisions to North Carolina mountain communities still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact, bringing holiday cheer to families facing ongoing challenges.
The faith-based organization distributed turkeys and traditional fixings to residents in Yancey County’s Big Creek area, where many households continue rebuilding more than two months after the storm struck the region.
“This Thanksgiving I’m just thankful to be alive,” said Felicia Honeycutt, who spent three days separated from her ailing husband during the hurricane. “I’m thankful for family and having them all together.”
The relief effort partnered with retired U.S. Army Gen. Dick Cody, who utilized his personal aircraft to transport supplies. Distribution centered at Big Creek Freewill Baptist Church, where the organization previously provided a large tent for services after flooding damaged their building.
Rick Wilson, a church deacon and lifelong Big Creek resident, noted how the disaster strengthened community bonds. “Working together has been really good for the community. It’s just amazing how good they worked together.”
For Veronica Willis, who endured 33 days without power while caring for her husband with heart problems, the meal delivery arrived at a crucial moment. “This is just an added blessing,” she said, describing the organization’s continued support through the recovery period.
The effort includes ongoing volunteer deployments to assist with property cleanup and home repairs throughout affected areas. Teams also delivered winter clothing to families preparing for colder weather while rebuilding.
These distributions represent part of a broader recovery initiative that began with emergency airlifts carrying water, food, generators and medical supplies to isolated communities in the storm’s immediate aftermath.
