Minnesota DJ Asks for Help for the State Where He Was Born

This past weekend in Central Minnesota was beautiful, actually it was almost too hot. Temperatures in the 80’s, sunny skies, and people in the best summer attire. 

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Back in my home state of North Carolina, it was dramatically different. Devastation from Hurricane Helene. I grew up in Marion N.C., about 35 minutes East of Asheville. It happens every year that the area gets rain from the outer band or hurricanes and tropical storms, but nothing like what happened last week. 

The rivers, creeks and streams all rose above their banks from driving rain that fell as the front made landfall, combined with steady rain that fell days before that, it created a “war torn” effect.  

Parking lots and roadways broken up into pieces, or chunks just feel away.  

My wife and I know people who had their homes simply float away, right off the foundation. One lady posted on Facebook it was like her house never existed. Others in the area saw their homes and vehicles completely ruined from the amount of water they took on. 

In communicating with people, I know in the Boone N.C. area; they say what we see on TV and the internet doesn’t hold a candle to the amount of devastation that’s there. 

There are sections of the mountains where helicopters have been used to rescue people or bring in supplies. For the areas that are too remote, 4-wheelers and horses have been used to carry in supplies, and trained medical professionals to help evaluate the physical health of those that are in need. 

The power at my mom’s house went out late last Thursday or early Friday and just came back late Wednesday night. The most significant damage my family suffered was to a couple of vehicles. But so many others were not so lucky.  

The loss of life will likely not be fully known for quite some time as the ability to communicate with the outside world is just now slowly returning and people will have an easier time trying to locate loved ones.  

The economic impact on these small towns is another area that will have to be figured out at some point, but right now people are just trying to survive.

Soon there could be a shortage in IV solution bags because of this storm damage. Baxter International is the world's leading IV bag manufacturer and their largest property was in my home county of McDowell County NC in the North Cove community. 

The bridge that led to the plant was washed out, part of the building was damaged, and areas took on massive amounts of water. The company is assessing what to do first in dealing with this property.  

It’s the largest employer in McDowell County but has workers from six or seven neighboring counties who now cannot work because of the storm damage.  

There are so many needs, and my family and friends are telling me stories of people bringing or sending truckloads of items to the area, which we’re all thankful for.  

If you feel inclined to help out in some way, be careful. Unfortunately, there are those out there running scams on people who want to lend a helping hand.  

If you would like to donate, the two organizations I recommend are The American Red Cross and Samaritans Purse.  

Samaritans Purse is headquartered right outside of Boone NC and sends response teams all over the world to help in bad situations like this. Now, they’re having to send people right up the road from their offices to help make an impact.  

Samaritans Purse is run by Rev. Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son. They are the ones responsible for sending Shoe Boxes to Children around the world at Christmas.  

Country Stars Eric Church and Luke Combs both went to college in Boone at Appalachian State University. Both are working to help raise funds for the area.

I can’t reiterate it enough that people are telling me the video and pictures most of America have seen don’t do the situation justice. If you are able to help in any way, I know a population of people who would be grateful.