Dear members of the Scotland Trinity church,

I’m writing to thank you for your very generous donation of winter clothing, hammers and blankets.  All of the items were very much needed for the victims of hurricane Helene.

The Appalachian mountains are home to hard working, independent and proud people.  They are not accustomed to taking a hand out, but are very willing to help others.  Immediately after the hurricane I was handing out free meal tickets for those in need to come eat at my restaurant.  Many people refused and said things like, “we’ve got hotdogs to cook over a fire, you share those with people that really need it”. The people that took the tickets were so very grateful and hadn’t had a hot meal for several days.

The winter items that you donated went to the very desperate.  I explained that these items came from a small community church in the 

midwest—people that understood cold and wanted to offer assistance while they were literally trying to dig out of the aftermath of the hurricane.  They were so grateful!  One elderly lady kept commenting about how fresh and clean her winter coat smelled!

This storm did an unbelievable amount of damage.  Homes were washed away by the flash flooding. Trees fell on homes and cars.  Whole families lost their jobs because the businesses were flooded and are still closed.  They are still finding bodies and can’t get enough body bags for them. 

This winter people will still be in shelters and tents.  I’m volunteering at a place that hands out basic supplies like food, laundry soap, dish soap, etc. but is also searching for donated campers for families to live in this winter. 

This morning when I woke up it was 32 degrees.  I couldn’t imagine what sleeping in a tent would be like at a higher elevation.  I’m personally so thankful for your kindness toward our community!

Please continue to keep all the victims in prayer and know that you have made a difference!

In Christ’s  love,

Sabrina