Norcross Rallies to Support Asheville in Wake of Hurricane Helene
Norcross, Ga. — As the crisp autumn air rolls into the mountains of Asheville, the city still feels the heavy aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Two weeks have passed since the devastating storm swept through, leaving the area grappling with a significant water crisis. Residents are still struggling to secure clean water and rationing gasoline has become part of daily life. Unfortunately, the onset of colder weather compounds these challenges just as the fall tourist season, typically bustling with visitors, kicks off with unnerving silence.
A Call to Action
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, a company based in metro Atlanta is stepping up to help Asheville through these tough times. If you find yourself taking the Jimmy Carter Boulevard exit onto Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Norcross, you won’t miss a sizeable donation sign guiding you to their mission. Just up the hill, you’ll spot box trucks sporting the logo of Trotter, a company known for its 95 years of service in basement and foundation repair.
Cary Greenberg, the Chief Operations Officer at Trotter, expressed a profound sense of urgency behind their efforts. “It just tore at our hearts,” Greenberg shared, reflecting on the damage left by the hurricane. He articulated the dire situation for many families in Asheville who are facing not just the immediate aftermath of the storm but the long and brutal winter ahead while trying to rebuild their lives.
Challenges Amid the Efforts
Despite the heartfelt outreach, Greenberg noted that timing has posed its own set of challenges. Most of his dedicated team is currently busy helping families in metro Atlanta who also suffered flooding due to the hurricane. Nevertheless, Greenberg, along with a small crew of just two people, has been tirelessly gathering donations every single day.
On one particularly busy Saturday evening, Channel 2 reporter Courtney Francisco witnessed this dedication firsthand. They were there to meet the last donor of the day, Jarid Neff. “I couldn’t go up there. It was too crazy to get there,” Neff explained, underscoring how difficult it has been to reach Asheville in the wake of the storm. “So, this is an awesome way to help out,” he added, showcasing how even small actions can make a big difference.
Getting Supplies Where They’re Needed
Greenberg is committed to ensuring that donations get to the right people at the right time. He has been in touch with city leaders and business partners in Asheville to coordinate these efforts effectively. “We want to make sure these are getting to the right people at the right time,” he emphasized as he laid out the logistics of the operation. With several more box trucks ready to be filled with much-needed supplies, Greenberg is calling on the community for help.
Your chance to contribute is just around the corner! Trotter is continuing to accept donations this Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The collection point is at 6575 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. in Norcross. According to the city of Asheville, the most pressing needs include hygiene products, cleaning supplies, baby items, and non-perishable food.
Make a Difference
As the cold settles in and the impacts of Hurricane Helene linger on, it’s clear that the spirit of community remains unwavering. Every donation counts and can help to alleviate some of the hardships faced by those in Asheville. Whether it’s lending a hand with supplies or simply spreading the word, together, we can make a difference.
