Volunteers travel from states away to feed Chimney Rock community after Helene

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (WNCN) — As Chimney Rock Village cleans up the damage left behind by Hurricane Helene, unsung heroes are feeding volunteers and citizens.

Tracy Reef has volunteered with Spokes of Hope for two years. Her journey from Indiana comes with love and purpose. "I had severe COVID and almost died. I was on the ventilator, and when I came off it, I said I am going to do this work," she said.

After her recovery, she quit her job, and this has been her new mission. She says driving into Chimney Rock was heartbreaking. "I was just in disbelief at the disaster and the rage of what the river did here," she said.

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She isn't the only one.

"I didn't have the words for it. It just looked awful with mud and sand everywhere," said Jason Holifield.

Holified is with Just the Crumbs Ministries and made his way to Chimney Rock from Mississippi. "We have a big kitchen now, and we go to disaster areas feeding the volunteers and the community. Anyone wanting a meal can come get it totally free," said Holifield.

Both ministries say playing a small role in the recovery has been a blessing. And they're not planning to leave anytime soon.

"We are here until we are no longer needed. We want to see this place get back on its feet," Holifield said.

As they pass out each meal with a smile, Tracy can't help but think that nearly three years ago, her life was headed down a different path. "My children were told that they needed to say goodbye and to see the power of God heal me, and now I can go and do what was in my heart and desire to do," said Reef.