The money went to 84 families across the county who needed help with basic needs like fixing driveways, paying utility bills, and buying food and gas.
NEWLAND, N.C. — A group of young professionals in Avery County gave out $40,000 to help local families hit hard by Hurricane Helene. Much of the community banded together to raise the funds.
The Avery County Young Professionals created a grant program called Build Back Avery to help neighbors recover from the storm.
The money went to 84 families across the county who needed help with basic needs like fixing driveways, paying utility bills, and buying food and gas.
“I’m proud of the way the young professionals in our community have stepped up to create the Build Back Avery Program,” said Dalton Kilby, who leads the group.
Kilby said the whole initiative started just days after the storm, while many on the team were dealing with their own very major personal losses.
Local businesses pitched in to raise the money: A coffee shop held fundraisers, a winery organized a concert and a shirt company sold special “Build Back Avery” t-shirts.
“We are so thankful for the donors and community support and are glad we’re able to make a small but meaningful impact for so many families across Avery County,” Kilby said.
The group split up the funds like this:
- $35,000 went directly to families through $500 checks per family
- $3,000 paid utility bills on behalf of the families
- $2,000 went to gas and grocery cards
The group said it kept the help to $500 per family so it could extend help to more people.
“I am retired and live on a fixed income, so I needed assistance to afford the cost of stone. My daughter and I have been helping others, delivering supplies to local churches and organizations, but we also need help with our driveway. This support is truly appreciated.” said one person who got help.
Avery County Young Professionals started in August 2023 and now has over 50 members.
The group is now working to create an official nonprofit and hope to raise more money to help with bigger needs in the future.
Anyone wanting to help can visit averyyoungpros.com or find them on social media as @averyyoungpros.
