Birmingham Rallies to Support Hurricane Helene Victims in North Carolina
Birmingham, Ala. – Residents in western North Carolina are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Helene, and one local effort aims to bring much-needed supplies to those affected. A charter bus, headed by Maryann Johnson of Broach Coach Tours, has made its way to Birmingham to collect donations for the beleaguered communities back home.
A Helping Hand on a Busy Day
This week, Johnson brought a group from North Carolina to Birmingham for a work conference. However, during some downtime, she felt a pull to do more. “As I was sitting with nothing to do today, I said, ‘Wait a minute. I’m going back to Charlotte, North Carolina,’” Johnson recounted. She saw reports on television detailing the devastation in her home state and felt inspired to take action.
With an empty tour bus at her disposal, Johnson saw an opportunity. “I have an empty bus, up under luggage bays that are just there,” she explained. Her goal is to fill the bus with essential supplies, which include water, diapers, wet wipes, medicine, flashlights, extension cords, and tools. The bus is scheduled to leave for North Carolina on Wednesday morning.
Residents Stepping Up
It’s clear that the call for help is urgent. Johnson noted that the timeframe for this operation is last minute, but she firmly believes that “something is better than nothing.” She highlighted that many local tour companies in the affected areas have suffered losses, making it even more critical to lend assistance. “We want to help our brothers and sisters out,” she said, emphasizing the community spirit that runs deep in her home state.
In addition to collecting supplies, Johnson shared that her own home in North Carolina was without power for four days as a result of the hurricane. Her sentiment was echoed by one of her tour group’s leaders, who hails from Asheville, where the devastation is especially acute. “They’ve lost loved ones,” Johnson said. “They still can’t find loved ones. They lost their belongings. They have nothing. They have to start from scratch and we here have what we need.”
Join the Effort
In a show of solidarity, the community is encouraged to participate in the donation drive. Johnson expressed her desire to bring hope to North Carolina. “Alabama, let’s give North Carolina some hope,” she encouraged. “Let’s give them something to look forward to. Let’s love on them from a distance, letting them know that you care even though you’re here.”
The bus will be parked between Top Golf and Protective Stadium at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Around 8:15 a.m., Johnson plans to bring the bus to The Westin, just a couple blocks away, to meet her tour group. Anyone interested in donating supplies is welcome to drop off items by 8:30 a.m.. The bus will leave shortly thereafter, ensuring that donations make their way to those in need.
Conclusion
This grassroots effort exemplifies the strength of community during difficult times. As Birmingham prepares to send supplies to those impacted by Hurricane Helene, residents have a chance to show their support and make a real difference for those in need. Every little bit helps, and your generosity could bring a touch of relief to those facing incredible hardships.
