How the community's support inspired me
Story
This story was submitted on September 9, 2025 by Shane Johnson
- Title
- How the community's support inspired me
- Description
-
While I was fortunate not to suffer personal losses during the storm that swept through our town, the widespread destruction I witnessed left a profound impact on me. Houses were damaged, trees lay scattered like sticks, and the streets were filled with lives disrupted. My connection to the local community deepened as I actively engaged in outreach and volunteered my time to support those in need before the storm. For several days, I wrestled with an overwhelming sadness resulting from the devastation, reflecting on its impact on our neighbors, friends, and our community. Despite the despair that hung in the air, I felt a powerful urge to restore hope and positivity to Boone. I drew strength from my relationships with local organizations and community members who shared a common goal of recovery and resilience. Eager to make a difference, I initially looked to volunteer with multiple organizations, but I encountered significant barriers. Finding volunteer applications online proved to be a difficult task, and unanswered phone calls added to my sense of urgency and determination.
Despite these obstacles, I pressed on with my mission to assist those in need. Over time, it became evident that many organizations were overwhelmed with requests for help, making it clear that non profits were overwhelmed at the moment. Recognizing the importance of self-care during this journey, I took a brief respite at my dad's house on the other side of the state to recharge both physically and mentally. At the time of the hurricane, I served as the service chair for the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) at Appalachian State University, an organization devoted to enabling leadership, recognition, and service within our campus community. While the storm temporarily halted our scheduled activities, I took hold of the opportunity to resurrect our organization as Boone began to recover. I worked diligently to organize a volunteer day with Samaritan's Purse, a well respected nonprofit focused on disaster relief efforts. This not only breathed new life into our organization but also revitalized a sense of hope within the local community. On that impactful day, we united as a group to clear fallen tree trunks and debris from a resident's yard, embracing the spirit of teamwork and collaboration. I recalled how satisfying it felt to see smiles return to the faces of residents as we worked side by side with them. Prior to my work with NRHH, I had already volunteered with Samaritan's Purse just two weeks after the storm, helping to distribute vital relief supplies and support families wrestling with the aftermath. My efforts included dedicating time to Anna Bananas, where I folded clothing for those in need, ensuring that each item was prepared with care. At Hunger and Health, I cleaned prescription bottles and sorted meal packages for local families, ensuring that those who were struggling received the food they required. Additionally, I worked at the Green Valley Community Park in Todd, assisting in cleaning trails to remove unwanted debris, allowing that space to be restored for community enjoyment. The unwavering spirit of the community surrounding me, even in their struggles, fueled my desire to conduct more service. As a result, my commitment to service continues to thrive today, driven by the connections I’ve cultivated, whether I’m organizing campus clean-ups or crafting blankets for patients at our local medical center. Through these diverse efforts, I aim to develop a spirit of community and resilience, ensuring that we emerge stronger together in our ongoing recovery journey. - Spatial Coverage
- 301 Bodenheimer Dr, Boone NC, 28607
- Date
- 09-27-24
- Creator
- appstatenrhh Instagram
- Item sets
- Unknown
- Media
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