Banner Elk and Lees-McRae joined forces to assist residents and provide emergency communications following Hurricane Helene
Like many High Country locals, Mark File was not sure what to expect when he first ventured out of his house following the quick and destructive sweep of Hurricane Helene through Western North Carolina last fall. Once the storm had passed, he and his husband David Soyars hiked multiple miles into town, hoping town would still be there to greet them when they arrived.
“What a wonderful sight for us to see many people hard at work giving water and food and sorting donations,” he said.
Lees-McRae Mountain Day of Service connects local community following Helene aftermath
Lees-McRae College held its annual Mountain Day of Service on Friday, March 28, for students, faculty members and volunteers to participate. The event aligns with the college’s 125th year in operation in addition to Mountain Day’s 21st consecutive year of volunteer service within the college.
Originally scheduled for October 2024, the event was postponed due to Hurricane Helene damage that impacted the entire High Country. Communities were devastated and lives were lost and displaced during the storm, with one thing remaining clear that everyone needs help. That’s why Lees-McRae Vice President Blaine Hansen made the decision to move the event ahead six months and one day after Helene’s landfall on Western North Carolina.
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