Residents rally for WNC neighbors amid Hurricane Helene

As Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina, Kingston Springs residents emerged as a beacon of hope for their neighbors, and in many cases, former hometowns.

Residents like Whitney Gorbet, Susanna Oberg and Goldie Essary stepped up to coordinate critical relief efforts for those in need.

Gorbet, originally from Hendersonville, North Carolina, and an event planner since 2016, found her passion for community service ignited by the disaster. "I started working out in Kingston Springs in 2021 ... The people, the trees, the winding roads -- It’s been a gift," she reflected.

Her unique background in project management and creative problem-solving enabled her to address the challenges posed by the hurricane. “It was just the attitude of hearing all of the needs and responding with ‘I’ll figure it out’ that people seemed to need,” she shared.

The aftermath of the storm thrust Gorbet into action as she became a key organizer for a group on the ground in North Carolina called Crisis Relief and Recovery. With local connections and a network of volunteers, she was able to mobilize resources effectively. “Folks were leaving sticky notes taped to my car with information on who needed what,” she recalled, detailing the grassroots efforts that brought together neighbors old and new.

Susanna Oberg, who moved to Kingston Springs in December 2022 but has deep roots in Western North Carolina, also felt compelled to help. “I was born and raised in Murphy, North Carolina ... Most of my friends still currently live near the Asheville area,” she shared.

Oberg collected cold-weather donations at Lawrence Foods over the span of two days. / Susanna Oberg

After witnessing the devastation through family reports, including her sister, a police officer in Banner Elk, Oberg organized a drive for cold weather items, receiving nearly a hundred bags filled with essentials. “I ended up renting a 4x8 U-Haul trailer and stuffed it to the max capacity,” she said.

Her efforts culminated in a delivery to the Shepherd of the Mountains Church in Murphy on Oct. 7, where the items were distributed to those in need. “Their generosity and kindness shows just how caring this community is,” she added.

Goldie Essary, a Kingston Springs resident since summer 2022, also organized a donation drive for disaster relief specifically for animals. As the owner of a cleaning business, she frequently visits the mountains of East Tennessee and felt inspired to help. “I give all the glory to God for inspiring me to undertake this effort,” she shared. Essary collected donations at the Kingston Springs vet and delivered them to Bristol Speedway on Oct. 6. “My 2013 Ford Transit Connect was completely packed,” she noted, emphasizing the overwhelming community support.

Essary collected donations for dogs and cats in Kingston Springs and Fairview, and received nearly $300 in monetary donations. / Goldie Essary

The collaborative spirit of Kingston Springs was evident in the contributions from residents like Amy and Cole Bruce, who brought supplies and a sense of community to the foothills of North Carolina. “They sent supplies from Kingston Springs ... just bringing some community and humanity to the situation,” Gorbet said, emphasizing the vital connections formed during this crisis.

However, the stories Gorbet, Oberg, and Essary encountered were heart-wrenching. “Families wander around these dusty roads with piles of debris still looking for their children, friends, or family,” Gorbet noted, emphasizing the depth of loss in the region. With the local missing persons list hovering around 600, the emotional toll of the hurricane was palpable.

In response to ongoing needs, Gorbet and her organization, Woven, partnered with Maypop Forest School in Kingston Springs to provide childcare and educational resources for families in affected areas. “They provided us with supplies and curriculum to support and empower the communities where the children won’t be going back to school any time soon,” she explained.

Gorbet's commitment to philanthropy has only deepened since the hurricane. Initially planning to launch her Woven philanthropy branch on Oct. 1, she realized the urgency of her mission. “I was driving to my Dad’s from Kingston Springs [on Oct. 1]... with a load of supplies and a 501c3 to be able to take donations to take care of my broken town,” she reflected, marking a pivotal moment in her life.

As Kingston Springs continues to support its neighbors in Western North Carolina, the strength of community shines brightly. With plans for a formal launch of Woven philanthropy on Nov. 17, Gorbet and her fellow residents are poised to make a lasting impact.

For updates on their efforts, visit Woven Events.