Volunteers make nearly 3,000 sandwiches for Helene victims
Oct. 15—What began as an effort to prepare 500 sandwiches for Hurricane Helene victims in Western North Carolina turned into a community event with nearly 3,000 sandwiches prepared.
Jill and James Jones, owners of the Debonair Chef Kitchen and Café on Rand Street, put the plan together.
"As a people-centered company, our core mission has always been to put people first," Jill Jones said. "When we heard about the devastation, I knew we had to act. I thought 'If we can't physically be there to help, we can at least make sure people have something to eat.' "
She used Facebook to help get the word out, then turned to emails, texts and calls to her family, friends and the local community for support.
"And so, the TDC Sandwich Brigade was born," Jones said.
Three days later, the project launched with a goal of 500 sandwiches that would be delivered with notes attached.
It took 18 minutes to make 500 sandwiches.
A new goal of 750 sandwiches was set, according to Tara Jamerson, one of the volunteers.
"In 30 minutes, the goal was blown out of the water with 1,000 sandwiches made and no one wanted to stop," Jamerson said.
When the project came to an end about three hours later, the 80 volunteers had 2,950 sandwiches. They were taken up and delivered, Jamerson said.
"We were amazed by the overwhelming response," Jones said. "The support, love and care that went into every single sandwich and every heartfelt note left us deeply moved. It was truly a moment of warmth, compassion and hope, and our hearts are still full from this incredible outpouring of love."
Preparing sandwiches wasn't all the volunteers did.
"They also gave donations that were crucial to reach the nearly 3,000 sandwiches. The Debonair Chef purchased 1,000 and the volunteers purchased 1,950," Jones said.
The Joneses and volunteers learned the next day that one of the volunteers was Rod Ashby, the husband of Kim Ashby of Sanford, who was swept away by flood waters in Avery County and hasn't been seen since.
Ashby didn't come alone — he was accompanied by 19 members of Kim's family, Jones said.
"They came to help, even in a time they are hurting and waiting on answers," she said. "They are a beautiful family, and our hearts and prayers go out for them."
