In the wake of Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 hurricane that struck the Southeastern United States late September, a local nonprofit organization known as “Christmas in Action” is mobilizing to provide assistance. The hurricane resulted in widespread destruction and fatalities, making it the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Maria in 2017.
Christmas in Action is based in Midland and has been serving the community for 52 years, focusing on rehabilitating homes for low-income elderly and disabled homeowners. According to its website, the organization has repaired over 11,000 homes, with more than 50,000 volunteers contributing their time and skills. Services offered include roofing, handicap ramp installation, plumbing repairs, and general home maintenance.
Beginning Nov. 1, a group of volunteers from Christmas in Action will travel to the Asheville region of North Carolina for a week to aid in post-storm damage repair efforts.
Director of Operations Nathan Knowles, who began as a volunteer with the organization in 2010, commented on how the group's efforts will benefit the Asheville community: “We have a very specialized skill set in taking houses that are in disrepair or have suffered a lot of damage through years of abuse. We are able to assess and provide any repairs that are necessary, such as plumbing or electrical work.”
Knowles also has a personal connection to the initiative. “Personally, I’ve spent some time in that region doing my graduate work, and I also have family who have lived in North Carolina for a long time,” he said. “I really feel for those people affected and the lack of support that they are being given from the state and federal level. We feel that since we have the ability and the skill set to step in and help, then we should.”
The organization has received support from local businesses and individuals, including Senior Life Midland and EOG Oil & Gas, who have made financial contributions after learning of the group's plans to assist in the hurricane's aftermath.
For more information about Christmas in Action, visit their website or their Facebook page.