A group of Charleston restaurant owners mobilized to ensure Hurricane Helene victims receive traditional Thanksgiving dinners, highlighting ongoing recovery needs in western North Carolina’s devastated communities.
Nick Mead witnessed desperate conditions while delivering meals to mountain residents last month. “Seeing families living in tents without basic necessities changed everything,” said Mead, who immediately began planning larger relief efforts.
The initiative gained momentum as fellow restaurateur Graham Calabria joined the cause. Together, they recruited regional establishments to prepare 1,500 pounds of turkey for mountain communities like Little Switzerland and Bakersville.
Miller’s All Day and Lewis Barbeque’s Greenville location committed significant resources to the project. “We arranged proper cold storage transport to maintain food safety standards while reaching isolated areas,” Calabria said.
The effort extends beyond Thanksgiving as winter approaches. Danny Lee, working directly with victims, stressed urgent requirements. “Basic winter survival gear becomes critical as temperatures drop in higher elevations,” Lee said.
Organizers established littleswitzerlandrelief.org to coordinate sustained assistance. “One meal helps today, but these communities need long-term support,” Mead said.
The website connects volunteers with various aid opportunities. “Recovery takes years, not months,” Calabria said. “We must stay committed to helping our Carolina neighbors rebuild.”
Mountain residents expressed gratitude for continued support. “Each delivery reminds us we’re not forgotten,” said a Spruce Pine resident who lost her home.
