Donate through Nov. 10 to help Boone, NC, hurricane victims

Oct. 15—Boone Hearts Boone is the name of a local collection being taken to aid victims of Hurricane Helene who live in Boone, N.C.

Discover Boone County (IN), the county's tourism bureau, is sponsoring the drive for an area of North Carolina that depends on tourism. The hurricane not only devastated Boone, N.C., it wiped out this year's autumn tourism and blocked spectators for Appalachian State University fall sports and the millions of dollars that brings to the town, according to the Associated Press.

Residents depend on the financial boon from tourism season to carry them through the year, but the hurricane washed out roads, leaving Watauga County residents stranded and tourists cut off. Helene filled downtown businesses with water and mud, and many of the buildings are boarded up for the time being, and it's unclear if some will reopen, the AP reported.

One brunch cafe reopened Monday to serve local victims who needed a hot meal, according to the AP. Owner Paul Tuttle is nervous about the coming weeks, because his profit is made from July to October, with October being the second best month.

He doubts tourists will want to come to view the devastation that was once "one of the pretties places in the whole country," he told the AP.

There will be no Wooly Worm Festival, nor any other celebrations, this year, in the town of 19,000 that was already struggling economically.

On top of that, winter is approaching the Blue Ridge Mountains and many are without power or cell service, the AP reported.

"We want to help our partners in tourism," Discover Boone County Executive Director Allyson Gutwein said. "The gravity of the situation they are facing is dire. Their community is much like ours, comprised of charming shops and businesses run by hardworking individuals. We know that if this devastation had hit our area, we would need help. We are going to step up to help those in Boone, N.C., as a gesture of solidarity in hospitality, business and tourism.

"We are collecting hats, gloves, scarves, socks — in sizes from infant to adult 5X — to ensure everyone has the warmth they need for the harsh winter months. We will also accept blankets and sleeping bags to provide additional comfort and protection," Gutwein said.

Items can be donated in two ways:

Drop them off at one of the designated collection points throughout Boone County. Find collection points online at www.discoverboonecounty.com .

Send them directly to Boone, N.C., through the initiative's Amazon link found online at ref_=wl_share.

The collection drive will run through Nov. 10, with donations departing Indiana for North Carolina on Nov. 15. All used items need to be laundered and ready-to-wear upon arrival. Gently used camping gear is also welcomed.

"Every bit counts," Gutwein said. "Our friends in North Carolina need us now more than ever. Winter is coming fast to the mountains, and together we can help ensure that families are warm, safe, and supported through this challenging time."