Asheville Unites: Local Pub Leads the Charge for Hurricane Relief
Asheville, N.C. – The community spirit shines brightly in Asheville as residents come together in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s recent devastation. With the hurricane leaving a trail of destruction through parts of North Carolina and South Carolina’s Upstate, local businesses, including the beloved family pub Dog and Duck, are stepping up to lend a helping hand.
A Call to Action
Dog and Duck, a spot cherished by locals for its warm atmosphere and hearty meals, has turned into a beacon of hope for many affected by the storm. The pub recently took to social media to call for donations, encouraging residents to bring in essential supplies like water, nonperishable food, batteries, and baby food. Their Instagram post, found at @eatatdogandduck, has inspired a wave of support from the community.
Community Members Stepping Up
The initiative was kicked off by Asheville native Anna Chiles teamed up with the pub’s owner, Alli Bradley. Speaking with genuine enthusiasm, Chiles shared, “Alli and Dog and Duck’s facilities have been instrumental in collecting these supplies.” They are working meticulously to ensure that essential items are sent to the storm-ravaged areas of North Carolina.
Chiles also highlighted the role that social media has played during such a challenging time. “In situations where telephone lines are down, platforms like Facebook have kept us connected,” she said. This connectivity allowed Chiles to communicate with friends and family in Asheville, letting them know exactly what was needed.
A Community Taking Action
The response from the Asheville community has been overwhelming. Businesses throughout the Charleston area have rallied together, sharing their relief efforts on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. The local community is showing up in droves to assist the collection drives being hosted by Dog and Duck, with donations filling up the pub and exceeding expectations. By the evening of October 1, the pub had reached full capacity for donations and planned to make its first delivery to Black Mountain, N.C. by the end of the week.
How to Help
For those wanting to join in this wave of support, there are plenty of opportunities to contribute. Local fire departments and police stations are also accepting supplies that can be safely sent to those in need. The Business Emergency Operations Center is staying busy, with logistical requests flooding the email at BEOC@ncdps.gov. This is essential for keeping those critical supply lines moving swiftly and efficiently to where they are needed most.
Leadership in Times of Crisis
Recently, Vice President Kamala Harris visited Augusta, where she commented on the real pain and trauma that Hurricane Helene has brought to the region, emphasizing the importance of coming together as a community to recover. As relief efforts continue, local officials such as Senator Lindsey Graham have expressed their intention to visit Aiken to discuss the response to the hurricane and support restoration efforts.
The outpouring of support from local pubs and businesses is evidence that even in the most challenging circumstances, community ties can foster hope and resilience. Dog and Duck is not just a pub; it has become a lifeline for many, proving that together, we can weather any storm.
As the skies clear and the sun shines down, let’s remember to keep lending a hand, showing that in Asheville, the spirit of community shines bright, even in the darkest of times.
