Helping Hurricane Helene Victims in Western North Carolina: A FlintFamCreates Fundraising Event

Western North Carolina was absolutely devastated by Hurricane Helene in late September 2024. Families who never imagined they would experience hurricane loss and damage have faced far more tragedy and heartbreak than anyone could have ever imagined.

As someone who grew up on the coast of Maryland, hurricanes don’t usually scare or surprise me. I’m all too familiar with the overflowing waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, and Pocomoke River during hurricane season. You expect wind, flooding, and significant erosion on the beaches. Sure, roads sometimes wash out, but there are always other ways to get around the Eastern Shore. Most kids back home see hurricane and tropical storm warnings as a fun, rainy day spent watching movies with the family.

But in my nearly 37 years, I have never seen hurricane destruction like what came from Hurricane Helene. My sister in Pensacola, FL, nearly lost her home to a hurricane once, but they were able to rebuild within a few months. The people of Western North Carolina, though, will be rebuilding for years. And they will need our help.

A Fundraiser to Help Western North Carolina

On the day Hurricane Helene hit, school was canceled for my children. We live in Monroe, North Carolina, less than 15 miles outside of Charlotte. As I mentioned earlier, we’ve been through a few hurricanes, so a day off from school in Southwestern North Carolina, far from the coast, didn’t seem like a big deal.

But, boy, was I wrong. We all were. I don’t think anyone realized how bad it could get for our neighbors just 1.5 to 2 hours west of us. The same winding mountain roads that would make me carsick whenever we visited family in Tennessee were now gone. And it wasn’t just the roads... homes, businesses, schools—most of them were gone, too.

That weekend, we watched in sadness as photos of the destruction came in. I started hearing people talk about ways to help, but I wasn’t sure what I could do. As a stay-at-home mom with a new business, I don’t have a lot to give. But then, one morning after school drop-off, it clicked. I had one of those “Oh man, I have to do that NOW” moments. I rushed home and got to work. And that’s how this fundraiser was born.

How You Can Contribute to the Flint Fam Creates Fundraiser

My fundraiser is simple: buy from a special section of our online store (North Carolina Merchandise), and 100% of the profits from those sales will go to a charity working specifically in Western North Carolina.

All of the designs featured in the North Carolina Merchandise section were created by me, Meghan Flint. I love designing for the products I make, and it’s been a privilege and an honor to design for such an important cause. This fundraiser will continue through the end of the year. So, if you’re Christmas shopping for someone who loves NC or has fond memories here, please consider purchasing from our store.

As of today, October 21, 2024, I’ve made my first donation. This morning, I donated $150 to the Diaper Bank of North Carolina’s Western North Carolina Flooding Relief Fund. Initially, I planned to donate to United Way, but then I thought about the Moms and babies affected, and I knew I wanted to give to a more specific cause. The Diaper Bank of North Carolina is providing diapers, feminine products, adult diapers, and other related essentials to the victims of Hurricane Helene. As a Mom of two little girls, I see great value in supporting them.

Once I reach the next $150 mark, I’ll donate to another nonprofit organization. If you have suggestions, I’d love to hear them!

Western NC Will Need Help for Years to Come

The devastation in Western North Carolina is like something out of a movie—one of those movies where the world is ending, and people have to rebuild society from scratch. When disasters like this happen, fundraising begins immediately, and the media covers the story for a few weeks before moving on. But a month later, many people forget, and life goes on.

The people of Western North Carolina will be rebuilding for a long time. That’s why I’m extending my fundraiser through the end of 2024. That means 100% of the profits from the North Carolina Merchandise section of my store will go to relief efforts until December 31, 2024. Even if you purchase at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, those profits will still go to the cause.

Please, keep these people and communities in your thoughts. I’m not a religious person, but I still ask that you send your prayers, thoughts, or positive vibes—whatever you believe in—to these people over the next few months and years. If you have the means to give or help, please consider doing so. The mountain communities are full of strong, inspiring people, but they still need the love and support of those around them.

Until Next Time...

Meghan