Hurricane Helene Update: October 6
Dear Neighbors and Friends:
Your response to the request for supplies and goods that we could share with families across our region has been amazing. The numbers of volunteers that have come to assist, in the process of gathering and distributing, has been far beyond our expectations. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! By our best estimates, more than 5,588 individuals have received items from the distribution center October 3-6, and still many other bulk loads of supplies have been sent to various Western NC communities.
We are now at a transition point in the distribution process as we are shifting more clearly to two strategies to meet needs:
Continuing to provide supplies for local families, and
Getting large shipments of materials and supplies further into the mountains.
Tomorrow, Monday October 7, the distribution center will be open from 10am-6pm. Beginning Tuesday, the distribution center will be open from 12-4pm daily through October 13. At that time, we will assess our plans beyond that date.
We are no longer in need of donations of human supplies. However, we are still receiving shavings, temporary/wire fencing, hay and animal feed. This recovery will be long term. Stay connected to us for information on future needs in our community and how we might work together to meet them. We will recover. Together.
Sharon Decker
President, Tryon Equestrian Properties, Carolinas Operation
Resources:
Supply Distribution Center:
Tryon International Indoor Complex
2676 John Shehan Rd,
Mill Spring NC 28756
Supply Distribution Center open 10am-6pm October 7
Open DAILY 12-4pm Tuesday October 8-Sunday, October 13
Free supplies are available to anyone who needs them, for humans, pets and livestock. This distribution center will operate as a drive-through, staffed with volunteers and Tryon International team members, as part of the Polk County network of disaster relief locations. Follow signs for drive-through pick up.
Limited showers and laundry facilities are available at the Lodging Office building at 2676 John Shehan Road. Please bring your own towels for shower facilities, and expect a wait.
FREE Hot Meals are being provided by World Central Kitchen and Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ from 12-4pm daily near the TIEC main entrance. Intended to provide hot meals to-go to families picking up supplies at the distribution center, the project is also dropping hot meals throughout the community. We anticipate this continuing through the week.
Foothills Village Chapel is available for prayer and meditation. A simple, quiet place, is open to all. It is located at Cabin 2A on Tryon International’s Retail Promenade. Open 24/7, you are welcome to stop in. “Come as you are” service each Sunday at 9:30am. Wednesday evening “Friends of Bill” meeting at 7pm.
View more Hurricane Helene Relief Resources, including how to apply for aid, here.
Get Involved:
DONATIONS:
We are only accepting animal and livestock donations at this time. Please follow up with media@tryon.com if you have previously arranged for a donation this week, and we will either continue with the delivery or make plans to route donations to the biggest area of need.
VOLUNTEER:
Volunteers are needed to help organize and distribute supplies daily from 11am-4pm. View the volunteer sign up form here. In the last few days, hundreds of volunteers have mobilized to help support relief efforts, and we are so grateful. The need continues, but the response of our community is strong.
DONATE FUNDS ONLINE:
Tammy Tappan of Equestrian Artists of Tryon, hosted at Tryon International Equestrian Center year-round, has teamed up with a group of her closest friends and clients to raise funds to directly help known families in need. The first $50,000 raised will be generously matched by one of Tammy’s clients from New Jersey. 100% of the funds raised will go directly to known, local families, and the fund allocation will be transparent. Local families will be able to apply for aid starting Monday.
Text NCSTRONG to 53555 or visit this link to donate now!
DONATE FUNDS VIA CHECK:
If you are interested in making a financial contribution to recovery efforts, you may write a check to the Green River Foundation and mail to 4066 Pea Ridge Road, Mill Spring, NC 28756 with "Hurricane Helene relief" in the memo. 100% of your donation will go to the relief efforts in Polk, Rutherford, Henderson and Buncombe Counties in North Carolina and Spartanburg County, South Carolina. We will work with location agencies for that distribution. 100% of the contribution will be tax deductible.
Cash and check donations can now be accepted at the Overmountain Lodge lobby or at the supply distribution center.
Tryon International Amenities:
Cleghorn Golf Club is currently being cleaned up and all efforts are being made to be back in business when possible. Mulligan’s Restaurant (183 Golf Circle, Rutherfordton, NC 28139) has reopened! Cleghorn Gun Club will also reopen when able. We will provide an update as soon as reopening plans are complete. Fitness Wide Open has reopened to members.
All Tryon International restaurants are now open to support our community, guests and first responders on-site. Keeping restaurants open is an important way that we can support our employees as well, and we are grateful to be able to offer hot meals to those still waiting on power to be restored.
View all menus and hours here.
Stay tuned for more updates to come as recovery and relief efforts continue.
With questions, contact media@tryon.com.
Our thanks go to all who are volunteering here, donating items, praying for our community and participating in so many ways. We will recover. Together!