In late September, Hurricane Helene swept through our community, leaving behind challenges that no one was truly prepared for. Raging waters, landslides, and destruction altered the landscape of our towns and the lives of the people within them. Homes were lost, businesses were damaged, and uncertainty settled in like the heavy clouds that preceded the storm.
But in the aftermath, something powerful emerged—our strength.
Stories of Resilience
There are stories we will never forget. Families watched their homes wash away. Neighbors waded through the wreckage together, offering whatever help they could. Communities came together in quiet resilience, determined to rebuild. And still, countless stories continue to unfold, shaping what comes next.
One story that stands out is from someone who shared:
“I went to the Rock Hill Church Market today to receive food for the first time in my life, as my situation with work shifted so much after the hurricane. My priority for a healthy life stayed high. Tonight, I made my family a salad with the lettuce and cucumber, and I felt this full love in my heart for this organization that has meant so much to me over the past 7 years.” Market participant
After losing her job during the storm, Riah knew exactly where she needed to be—serving with Bounty & Soul. For weeks, she delivered hot meals and supplies, offering comfort and hope in a time of need.
“Everywhere we went, people were coming to us with hugs,” she recalls. For Riah, it felt like a “chorus of gratitude,” with people overwhelmed by the sheer volume of support. She recalls hearing murmurs of disbelief: “Wow, I can’t believe Bounty & Soul is here every day.”
Riah, Bounty & Soul Volunteer
Immediate Response: Showing Up When It Mattered Most
In the critical days that followed Helene, with power outages, flooded roads, and communication lines down, one thing was clear: we had to take care of each other. That’s why, the very next morning, Bounty & Soul sprang into action.
- Despite losing power, our new warehouse became a lifeline, providing fresh produce and emergency supplies.
- Our market trucks delivered 5 tons of essential supplies and 12 tons of fresh produce to impacted neighborhoods.
- In partnership with World Central Kitchen and local businesses, we helped distribute 24,000+ hot meals to the hardest-hit areas.
The Road to Recovery
We don’t know exactly how long full recovery will take. What we do know is this: Bounty & Soul was there for our community when it mattered most, and we will continue to be. We saw neighbors helping neighbors, proving that resilience isn’t just about surviving the storm—it’s about rebuilding together, even in the darkest moments.
While we can’t erase the pain of what was lost, we can stand together in healing, in hope, and in the unwavering belief that our community will rise again. The work is far from over, but we are here. And we are ready.
What you can do to help
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