Community Unites in the Wake of Hurricane Helene: A Heartwarming Story of Hope and Resilience
In the picturesque town of Outer Banks, a storm had rolled through, leaving its mark on the lovely landscape and the hearts of its residents. Two weeks ago, Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on parts of western North Carolina, prompting a series of incredible responses from some remarkable individuals here. It’s a tale of community spirit and the power of people coming together in times of need.
A Race Against Time
One of the prominent voices in the community, Matt Khouri, owner of the Outer Banks Boil Company, felt a deep connection to the unfolding disaster while he was on a trip to beautiful Costa Rica. “When I saw everything going on in the west, I was like, ‘No, I have to get home,’” said Khouri. Once he returned, he harnessed the power of social media to rally support, declaring that all nine locations of the Outer Banks Boil Company would become collection points for much-needed relief supplies. “I was offline for about an hour, and in that time, the response was amazing,” he shared.
Taking Action
Ronda Galko, a real estate broker and proactive volunteer at the Carova Volunteer Fire Department, had a similar experience. As the images of destruction flooded the news, she felt compelled to take action. “It’s like the Lord said, ‘You need to get up and do something,’” Galko expressed, her voice filled with emotion. Parking a small trailer outside her office, she began collecting donations and quickly saw her call to action go viral on Facebook.
Collaboration Sparks Hope
Shortly after her post, Galko received a lifeline from her friend Della Martin at Hampton Roads Moving and Storage. “She said, ‘You can take one of our 43-foot containers. We’re not charging. You fill it, and we’ll take it wherever you want to go,’” Galko recalled, feeling the warmth of community support. Others soon jumped on board, including local businesses like Tractor Supply Co. and Sanctuary Vineyards, who joined forces to help organize and transport supplies.
Words of Encouragement
In an effort to spread positivity, Kimberley Ward from Galko’s office began collecting “Words of Encouragement” to attach to the supplies: heartfelt notes from local children with messages like “Don’t give up” and “We’re with you.” Within days, they had sent two truckloads of supplies, navigating through challenging roads and damage to reach those in need. “It’s just heartbreaking,” Galko said, her eyes glistening with empathy. “There are a lot of people out there who need our help.”
Aerial Support
Meanwhile, back at Outer Banks Aviation, Matt Khouri had mobilized another operation. After co-founding the business in 2020, he saw an opportunity to use his newly acquired skills in aviation for a greater cause. Joining forces with Operation Airdrop—a nonprofit dedicated to providing air support after natural disasters—Khouri started flying supplies directly into the hardest-hit areas. “We flew about 30 flights in three days,” he noted, reflecting on the sheer volume of support the Outer Banks community was providing.
Community Spirit in Action
As Khouri and other volunteer pilots flew between the Outer Banks and affected areas, they witnessed genuine gratitude from those they were helping. “Everyone was just amazing,” he remarked, sharing a story of volunteers forming a human chain to offload supplies. In total, about 70,000 pounds of supplies were transported, thanks to the generosity and commitment of the locals.
Looking Ahead
Even now, the call for help remains urgent. Khouri encourages continued donations and plans to host a community seafood boil for a particularly hard-hit community in the near future. “I can’t say enough of how proud I am of this little beach,” he expressed. “Out there, they couldn’t have imagined anything like this.”
A Bright Note in Troubling Times
Through their efforts, the residents of Outer Banks have truly shown that hope shines brighter in times of disaster. As the community continues to come together and respond, the spirit of giving and the warmth of support weave a comforting tapestry across the region.
