WAYNESBORO – Witnessing the devastation in person caused by Hurricane Helene left an indelible mark on a local woman and a group of volunteers.
“TV doesn’t do it justice,” according to Mandy Jones of Waynesboro, who was one of a number of people who took hay and other needed supplies to residents of Erwin, Tenn., (population 6,000) recently. “The main part of town – banks, library and other buildings – were at a higher elevation and not affected. The other part is a different world.
“I never saw anything like it. I can’t even put into words what we experienced,” added Jones. “These people lost everything. When my husband Sam, a farmer, lost his shop in a fire, at least we had a starting point. These people have nothing.”
Sam’s friend, Chris Miller of Waynesboro, learned of an Erwin farmer, John Hileman, who lost nearly his whole farm – buildings, equipment and part of his cattle herd. The farm, home to three generations of the Hileman family, is located along the Nolichucky River, which overflowed its banks from the heavy rain. “The main house survived, but the floodwater took a smaller house right off the bank,” Jones said.
The Waynesboro volunteers, which included Sam and Mandy, and Chris and his wife, Becky, partnered in the effort with Antrim Township officials, administrator Chris Ardinger, employees Brian Maynard and Mike Lynerd, and Antrim Township Supervisor Rick Baer.
East Coast Green, St. Thomas, donated the use of a tractor trailer to haul a load of donated hay, while Waynesboro residents Bernie McAfee and his stepson, Brock Shindledecker took another load of hay donated by Chad Hess. The volunteers’ trucks were filled with donated water and non-perishable food as well as tools and supplies donated by Trident Enterprises of Waynesboro to install fences at the Hileman farm, Jones added.
“The hospitality when we got off the interstate … People were clapping and yelling thank you. The state police escorted us off the interstate and through town – it reminded me of a little Hallmark movie town. Their hospitality and gratefulness, spirit and faith – they kept saying God bless you – were so strong,” noted Jones.
Hileman’s father-in-inlaw, Charles, 87, told the group he had lived in the area his whole life, “and had never seen anything like this.
“He wanted to buy the American flag on the back of one of the trucks and we said, ‘Absolutely not. We gave it to him.’ We signed it and another new one that we had, and then took a group picture. Talk about an emotional day.”
After the 11-hour journey and unloading the supplies, the group turned around and drove home. “Our trip started with prayer, and we knew we were going to be OK. It was a wonderful group to travel with,” she added.
The volunteers are now planning a second trip, in mid-November, during which they will restore an outbuilding on the Hileman property. The plan a third visit in the spring. “We’re collecting non-perishable canned goods, bottled water, pillows, blankets, thermal socks and gloves. We’ll stay for four or five days – not sure where. If the hotels are full of workers, we may be roughing it in campers. We’ll also help sort the donations at a church or supply center, and help cook meals … whatever they need.”
Jones’ latest campaign is collecting new Christmas toys for the Erwin children. “It hit me when I was down there. I heard about a little 8-year-old girl named Bridget who lost her father, and her mother is still missing – she had stayed with her grandparents that night. That was heavy on my heart. When we got back, I told my husband my idea. He called his friend, and nobody batted an eye. They said ‘Let’s do it.’ Whatever my hands can be put to use to do … We’re going to take Christmas to Erwin,” she said.
“I made a Facebook post about the toy drive, and there is a collection box at The Parlor House restaurant in Waynesboro. We’re also collecting pillows and sleeping bags.” Donations may be dropped on the back porch at the Jones home at 7583 Lyons Rd. “People can message me – Mandy Daywalt Jones – on Facebook.”
The group has received cash donations to help purchase supplies and fuel. “The other night there was a knock on the door, and a neighbor gave me $100,” she noted.
Jones said she believes God has laid this mission on her heart. “It feels good to help others.”
