Hurricane Relief Update Labor of Love Tazewell, VA – Oct. 25, 2024
Americans Helping Americans® was there in the days following the devastating floodwaters caused by Hurricane Helene that ravaged communities across North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and elsewhere. They provided critical support in the form of food boxes, bottled water, hygiene kits, disposable diapers, and more to help those impacted.
Grassroots Support from Labor of Love Mission
Among the organization’s grassroots partners working on the ground is the Labor of Love Mission in Tazewell, Virginia. Director Rene Steele reported this week, “When Helene hit our area, it was such a shock to everyone… we just were not prepared. How could we be? Who thought a hurricane would ever hit the southwestern part of Virginia – our Appalachian mountains?”
Steele described how “neighborhoods disappeared, homes just floated away, groves of trees toppled. Five-foot creeks became 25-foot raging rivers. Roads and bridges disappeared in the blink of an eye.”
The Devastation Weeks After the Storm
Weeks after this unprecedented storm, many in the community have lost not only all their food but also their belongings. In Tazewell County, Steele noted that Labor of Love clients are “trying to prioritize their needs now that the shock has worn off some.” Households in the community that receive SNAP benefits are having the food they lost replaced, but those who do not have access to this assistance have been struggling to replace food items stored in their refrigerators and freezers for winter, as well as replacing clothing and furniture lost in the floodwaters.
Immediate Relief from Americans Helping Americans®
Thanks to the supporters of Americans Helping Americans®, relief items arrived to assist families through the toughest early days on their long path to recovery. The donations included:
- Six pallets of food boxes
- Personal care bags
- Hygiene bags
- Snack boxes
- Disposable diapers
These essential items have provided much-needed relief to those who were hardest hit by the storm’s destruction.
Messages of Gratitude from the Tazewell Community
Director Rene Steele shared messages of gratitude from residents like Kathy Groseclose, who wrote, “Thank you for sharing the love with so many others!” Another resident, Debbie Long, expressed, “You are a blessing to this community!”
For Steele herself, the personal care and hygiene items were a lifeline during this time of disaster. “The nonperishable food boxes Americans Helping Americans® sent were the biggest blessing,” Steele said. “You REALLY do not know what a need you met—and it came at the perfect time!”
“Our people were hungry, couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, and are still shaking their heads and wondering what they will do,” Steele continued. “We are most appreciative and so blessed to have Americans Helping Americans® in our communities’ lives. God bless Americans Helping Americans®.”
