When Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina, it left a trail of devastation in its wake—especially in Mitchell County and neighboring areas. Power, water, and cell service were knocked out for weeks, in some places even months. Businesses were forced to shut down, many people lost their homes and jobs, and families were left to pick up the pieces.
In the midst of this hardship, the strength and generosity of the community shone through. Neighbors helped neighbors, and aid poured in from across the United States and even internationally. Spruce Pine native and Mitchell High School graduate Mariedith Bell Appanaitis stepped up to make a difference by creating a GoFundMe campaign to assist hurricane survivors in Mitchell County, with a special focus on helping children.
The recovery funds raised were administered by the Spruce Pine Fire and Rescue Department (SPFRD) and its administrative board. Based on school enrollment figures, principals from each Mitchell County school received funds to support students' recovery efforts. Additional donations were directed to support Mitchell County Special Olympics, Shop with a Cop program, Angel Tree Program, and the Lamplighters After School Literacy Program.
Pictured left to right:
Cole Chester, Principal of Mitchell High School
Adrienne Snyder, Principal of Greenlee Primary
Amber Young, Principal of Gouge Elementary
Michelle Lord and Jenni Dellinger, Representatives of Special Olympics
Jason Hall, Principal of Mitchell Middle School
James Serao, SPFRD Member
Eddie Bell, Former Fire Chief of SPFRD (Fire Chief or Assistant Chief for 25 years).
Special thanks to:
Mariedith Bell Appanaitis and all generous contributors to the recovery fund
Josh Boone, Fire Chief, Spruce Pine Fire and Rescue Department and all SPFRD Members
Jennifer Gregory, Associate Superintendent, Mitchell County Schools
Gina Phillips and Elizabeth Westveer for their invaluable support