Special to IFN

Purple Heart Homes, South River Baptist Church and a diverse group of community partners in Iredell County have worked hard over a six-week period to help victims of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina

PHH’s history of engaging community support to create positive impact and its location in Statesville positioned the nonprofit to support relief efforts in Fairview, Lansing, Hendersonville, Bryson City, Pond Mountain, Warrensville, Spruce Pine, and North Wilkesboro.

PHH served as a collection and distribution point for relief supply donations. The organization also supported meal service to disaster victims through a unique partnership with South River Baptist Church.

With the support of sponsors, volunteers, and local partners, PHH organized barbecue fundraisers over a six-week period to raise funds to support South River Baptist Church, which simultaneously cooked and provided more than 10,000 meals to people in Western North Carolina.

PHH also partnered with South River Baptist Church, along with other churches and organizations, to distribute the vast amount of relief supplies that flooded the organization’s headquarters after it provided warehouse space to serve as a collection point immediately after the storm.

Donations included 400 pairs of new shoes from RDC Shoes, 250,000 shelf-stable meals from Kids Coalition Against Hunger, a semi-truck full of donations from Down River Veterans in Michigan, Little Buddy heaters donated by a national partner, and multiple truckloads of supplies from the Mississippi-based nonprofit, 7 Days for the Troops.

“The collective effort of our community volunteers, sponsors, and supporters embodies the spirit of compassion and resilience that defines Western North Carolina,” said John Gallina, CEO and co-founder of Purple Heart Homes. “Together, we are making a significant impact in the lives of those who need it most.

“We are so grateful for the kindness and generosity of all who are helping to uplift our community during these challenging times.”

Sponsors and partners who supported these relief efforts included South River Baptist Church, B&B Auto Glass, Chick-fil-A of Statesville, City of Statesville, Country Boy Landscaping, Food Lion Feeds, the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, Eagle Rentals, Hot Shots Sports Bar & Grill, Iredell Sheriff’s Office, Ledbetter’s Grill, Rescue Ranch, Smokin Southern Cantina, Town of Troutman, Troops Haul Junk, United Federal Credit Union, Dairy Bar, WAME Radio, and WSIC Radio.

LEARN MORE

To learn more about supporting the work of Purple Heart Homes, visit phhusa.org.