12/10/2024
Help Make Christmas Special for Two Appalachian Families Affected by Hurricane Helene
This Christmas, we’re rallying to bring hope and joy to two families in Carter County and Unicoi County, TN, who were deeply impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Helene. These families, chosen for their resilience and humility, have never asked for help but now face overwhelming challenges.
🎄 About the Families:
One family, with a disabled father and three young children (including a two-year-old who recently underwent surgery), lost their home and vehicle.
The other family, displaced and living in a trailer, includes a hardworking dad, a devoted mom, and their four daughters.
Why Appalachian Families Need Us
The Appalachian people are known for their strength, resilience, and deep-rooted sense of community. Despite the hardships they face, many rarely seek help, placing immense value on self-reliance. For these families, asking for assistance has been an extraordinary step, and it reflects just how dire their circumstances are.
Building trust in Appalachia takes time, patience, and understanding. We’ve worked closely with local families, respecting their values and privacy, to create a bridge between their needs and those who want to help. By coming together, we can show them that accepting support doesn’t compromise their independence—it strengthens it.
🎁 How You Can Help:
1️⃣ Shop from their Amazon Wish List: The list has been carefully curated by a volunteer working directly with the families to ensure every item is specific to their needs, from clothing sizes to personal preferences. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1A8H3VH9Q7ZTN?ref_=wl_share
2️⃣ Contribute to Their Christmas Dinner and Holiday Trip:
For one family, this trip is a chance to create lasting memories in the face of uncertain times.
They have a simple "dream trip" that the volunteer discovered and funds are needed for the trip to become a reality of their Christmas miracle surprise, including:
Hotel: $532
Car Rental (they lost their vehicle in the flood): $452 + deposit (unless you are a SUPER DONOR and can donate a reliable vehicle to the family)
Tickets for Family of Five: $686.07
Food and Gas: Any additional funds will help cover these essentials.
Your contribution can help give this family the gift of togetherness and joy during a challenging time. Venmo donations can be sent to -Webber-2
Alternatively, if you would like to send monetary donations but feel more comfortable having them go the extra step through a 501c3, you can send them to CWEET with a note that the donation is for "CHRISTMAS MIRACLE" and we will make sure the funds are passed along to help. Contact CWEET's Community Organizer Laurie Duckett on fb or email us [email protected]. Our paypal is [email protected] and our cashapp is $Cweet2024.
3️⃣ Take on a Stocking: Each stocking is personalized for one of the seven children and some of these items are in the Amazon wishlist:
A toddler recovering from surgery who loves small toys and books.
A budding young artist who loves to draw and color.
A child who enjoys skating, wolves, and cozy blankets.
A teen who loves fishing, RC cars, and fashionable clothing to help her regain confidence among her peers.
A soccer-loving teen who enjoys trendy outfits.
A child who loves outdoor adventures and playtime.
A young one who delights in toys, warm blankets, and colorful surprises.
🎅 The Plan:
All gifts are being sent to a local volunteer’s home, where they’ll be wrapped and delivered on Christmas morning by Santa himself! Stockings, Christmas dinner, and the holiday trip are all part of this heartfelt surprise.
💞 Join Us in Bringing Joy:
This effort is a labor of love, fueled by a small, dedicated group of volunteers. Together, we can celebrate the resilience of Appalachia by turning this holiday season into an unforgettable experience for these deserving families.
Thank you for helping us spread the word and fill their holiday with warmth and love!
