Bakersville Community Unites After Hurricane Helene’s Devastation

News Summary

The town of Bakersville, NC, showcases resilience and community spirit as local resident Alyssa Vinyo responds to the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. Despite her harrowing experience during the storm, she founded Rising Light Relief to provide aid and meals to those affected. This initiative has gained significant support and recognition, embodying the power of collective compassion in the face of adversity. Volunteers continue to rally, ensuring ongoing assistance for the community as they recover from the hurricane’s impact.

Bakersville, NC: A Community Rises After Hurricane Helene

Alyssa Vinyo’s Unexpected Turn of Events

In the picturesque town of Bakersville, a remarkable story of resilience and community spirit has emerged following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. Alyssa Vinyo, a local resident, found herself in a harrowing situation when her mother warned her about the looming bad weather while she was in Asheville, NC. Determined to protect her home and pets, she collected essential supplies such as water, propane, gas, and even $100 cash before making the trek back to Bakersville.

The Storm Hits Hard

When Alyssa arrived home, she faced a rapidly rising small stream that surged more than 15 feet by Thursday night. As wind gusts roared to 85 mph, she realized it wasn’t safe to stay, prompting a frantic evacuation with her beloved dogs. In a desperate attempt to seek shelter, Alyssa turned to a neighbor’s home, but her anxiety deepened when her mom called to check in, only for the call to be cut off as her phone line went dead.

A Frightening Return

After the storm passed, Alyssa returned to find her house *miraculously intact*. However, she was faced with a grim scene: trees and high water blocked her from accessing the road. Taking a deep breath, Alyssa made eight attempts to find an escape route, only to discover significant destruction: half of the main road was washed away, bridges were missing, and homes were completely ruined.

Family Ties and Public Service

Four hours later, she finally regained cell service and tried reaching her brother, but there was no answer. Concern grew when her mother informed her that he was trying to navigate the treacherous conditions to reach her. The journey to Greensboro stretched over six grueling hours, filled with downed power lines and debris, marking the emotional toll of the experience. Although Alyssa faced panic attacks and developed a stutter, her resilience shone through as she connected with her brother.

Finding Light Amidst the Darkness

In the aftermath, Alyssa’s brother made multiple attempts to reach her, eventually clearing a path to her house three hours after her urgent evacuation. They both experienced trauma, but that didn’t stop Alyssa from stepping up and assisting others. She launched a GoFundMe campaign aimed at sending emergency supplies to her brother’s location, which gained traction on social media, drawing significant support that included helicopters and even a swift water rescue team.

The Birth of Rising Light Relief

With her mental health stabilizing, Alyssa began using her community culinary skills to prepare meals for those stranded by the storm. Thanks to a donation of 85 pounds of chicken from a local church, she could deliver meals to many, primarily elderly and disabled individuals. This noble endeavor quickly evolved into a full-fledged effort, leading her to resign from her job to focus on community service.

A Growing Mission

Thus, Rising Light Relief was born! In collaboration with World Central Kitchen, the initiative expanded to feed around 450 people each week across three counties. They even opened a distribution center for emergency supplies, maintaining a steady response against ongoing weather challenges. Today, Rising Light Relief stands officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) charity, showing tremendous growth and impact.

Join the Movement!

Volunteers from at least eight states have rallied to support this commendable cause; however, the need for additional assistance and donations continues to grow. Residents involved with Rising Light Relief are actively addressing the urgent needs of those affected by Hurricane Helene, embodying what it means to stand together in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

Alyssa Vinyo’s journey from a state of panic to founding a community relief initiative shows the power of compassion and determination. As Bakersville continues to heal, Rising Light Relief serves as a beacon of hope for all, proving that in darkness, there is always a rising light.

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Additional Resources

• ABC11 News
• Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
• Tribune Papers
• Google Search: Hurricane Helene impact on North Carolina
• WBIR News
• News Observer