Helene Relief & Village Trade Updates
Dear Wee Trade and Grateful Village Community,
It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly two weeks since Hurricane Helene turned our world upside down here in Western North Carolina. Here in East Asheville, we’re still without all utilities (thank goodness for the Verizon Truck at our disaster relief hub), and it feels like we’re living in triage mode—recovery efforts are ongoing, and the weight of what’s changed is starting to settle in. We know many of you are feeling the same.
The adrenaline has worn off, and now it’s about taking one step forward, even when it feels impossible. Every day, we’re working tirelessly to collect and distribute monetary donations through Chances for Children Carolinas and to provide meals and run a supply distribution hub here in our local East Asheville community. We know many of you are doing everything you can as well, and for that, we are deeply grateful.
While we had a Village Trade event planned for next month, it’s clear that our priorities have shifted along with the needs of our community. We’re now working on organizing an in-person “Free Trade” Event, if we can secure space at the Fairview Community Center. We know so many of you want to help, and we’ll keep you posted on how this event comes together. If you have clothing, baby gear, housewares, or anything else you intended to donate, please hang tight—we’re still figuring out the logistics. Many places are not taking clothes right now, and we recognize that many of you have them to donate and many of our community does now have a need. We are working to provide a unique and appropriate solution in the very near future.
In the meantime, Chances for Children Carolinas continues to step in where it’s needed most, providing immediate financial assistance to those affected in our community. If you or someone you know needs help, or if you’d like to contribute, please visit weetradecarolinas.com or chancesforchildrencarolinas.com.
We would also love to hear from you—if you have stories or photos of how you’ve been impacted, please share them. Keeping the spotlight on our region is crucial as we know the news cycle moves on quickly, but our recovery will take time. Sharing your stories helps us remind the world that we’re still here, and we still need help.
Our hearts are also with our neighbors in Florida as they brace for Milton. It all feels like too much, but together, we’ll keep moving forward. Until we all have our basic needs met, none of us can truly thrive. We are here for you, and together, we will get through this.
Much love from our families to yours,
Anna & Tracey
Wee Trade & Grateful Village Community
Chances for Children Carolinas
#TogetherWeThrive #GratefulVillage #HurricaneHeleneRecovery #chancesforchildrencarolinas
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