KPC Delivers Warm Jackets in the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina
As the cooler fall weather is becoming more consistent in the mountains of western North Carolina , many residents are deeply concerned about the approach of winter . Paula , the Executive Director of Bounty and Soul in Black Mountain , NC , asked Buddhist Relief to help source and deliver at least 60 warm puffy jackets for unhoused families .
Thanks to Buddhist Relief , my husband Thad Stewart and I were able to take over 100 new , warm puffy jackets to Bounty and Soul ranging in Sizes S-XXL for adults and 16 month-youth sizes for the kids . Bounty and Soul volunteers were so happy to see the quality of the items sourced . New quality items are greatly appreciated and currently are the
Many neighborhoods in the mountains of North Carolina were swept away by the flood waters of Hurricane Helene . In Swannanoa , people are devastated and living in tents on the land where their homes once stood .
only things that being accepted for distribution .
We arranged the sorted boxes of jackets we received onto large pallets in Bounty and Soul ’ s warm item distribution section . Many of the warm jackets went out already on November 4th . Offering new quality clothing to those who have lost so much helps show them they deserve dignity and respect , not to mention the practical implications of warm clothing being critical to survival .
In Swannanoa , many people are living in tents where their homes used to stand , while various organizations desperately try to find them adequate , long-term housing . On a personal note , Thad ’ s childhood best friend ’ s family lost their home entirely in the flood . Meanwhile Bounty and Soul is coordinating efforts with
Blunt Pretzel ’ s pop-up food kitchen to get fresh food to feed folks in Swannanoa as well as supplying produce to their other 16 distribution locations .
Saying thank you really doesn ’ t encompass how grateful I personally am as a resident in this area for the outside support to help our community during this time . This disaster has been so devastating . Every single person has been dramatically impacted , regardless of their background , and some have experienced unimaginable suffering with the loss of their homes and loved ones . Thank you so much , Jetsunma , for your compassionate reach and holding everyone in your heart .
- Kelly Zarcone is a KPC sangha member living in Black Mountain , NC .
Thad Stewart and Kelly Zarcone unload boxes of jackets purchased through donations to KPC Buddhist Relief at Bounty & Soul ’ s distribution center in NC .
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