Echoes of Appalachia

In the aftermath of the recent flooding that tore through Western North Carolina, East Tennessee, Virginia, and South Carolina, the media has spotlighted the hardest-hit areas. We’ve all seen the heartbreaking footage of places like Asheville and Unicoi County. Yet, there are smaller communities, the lifeblood of Appalachia, that have been just as devastated, though they often go unnoticed.

Towns like Iron Mountain, Morganton, Old Fort, Burnsville, Hot Springs, and Marshall have all suffered greatly. These communities, tucked away in the mountains, hold families, history, and culture that have helped shaped Appalachia. The waters may have receded, but the destruction left behind remains, and it’s these places that urgently need our attention as well.

While it’s easy to focus on the larger cities, it’s important to remember that the smaller towns were hit just as hard. Homes have been washed away, businesses destroyed and lives upended. These people are our neighbors. They’re folks who, like many of us, live simple lives, relying on each other for support. Their communities are woven with the spirit of perseverance, but that doesn’t mean they can do it alone.

When you consider donating supplies or money, remember places like Iron Mountain, Burnsville, and Marshall. They may not make the headlines, but their need is just as great. Items like canned food, water, blankets, clothing, and cleaning supplies will help get these families back on their feet.

Appalachia has always been a place of natural beauty, and it will be again. But the road to recovery is long. These smaller towns, often overshadowed by their bigger neighbors, need your help to get back on that road. So when you’re thinking about how to support flood relief efforts, keep them in your hearts and your donations.

Together, we can bring Appalachia back to its beautiful, welcoming self. But it’s going to take all of us, working hand in hand, to make that happen.

Let’s not forget those who need us the most.