VALLE CRUCIS, NC – In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Mast General Store began selling Mountain Strong shirts and stickers to raise money for organizations helping the region recover from the storm. Downtown Spruce Pine, a North Carolina Main Street community, is helping businesses on Lower (and Upper) Street rebuild after flood waters rose to historic levels on September 29, 2024. This organization is the latest recipient of a check totaling $20,000 from Mountain Strong funds.
Mast Store President Lisa Cooper said, “Spruce Pine is one of our mountain neighbors, and their downtown was hit really hard with the water on Lower Street flooding into businesses nearly up to the ceilings of their ground floors. Mountain folks take care of their own, and the community of Spruce Pine did just that in the many days after the flood waters receded. Now what they need is momentum, hope, and financial support to refocus their energy on getting their people back to work. This contribution, when combined with other efforts, will help them rise above the many challenges of recovery.”
"Our downtown businesses have been fighting hard to reopen in time for the tourist season, knowing how vital these months are to their survival," said Spencer Bost, executive director of Downtown Spruce Pine. "This contribution from Mast General Store comes at a crucial time, helping many cross the finish line and welcome customers once again. We're deeply grateful to be part of a mountain community that shows up for each other when it matters most."
With this contribution, the total Mountain Strong investment is $130,000, including previous gifts to MountainTrue ($25,000), BeLoved Asheville ($20,000), Asheville Chamber for Small Businesses ($20,000), River Arts District Foundation ($20,000), and Boone Area Chamber Small Business Grants ($25,000).
“We are humbled by the response to our Mountain Strong merchandise,” continued Cooper. “Its inspiring design makes it easy for people to show their support for this beautiful area. We’re thankful that sales continue to be good because it allows us to continue to support the hard work of recovery.”
According to several initial estimates, rebounding from the effects of this landmark storm will come in stages and will stretch over years. “It is going to be a group effort,” said Cooper, “and that group will need to include the many folks who don’t live here in the mountains but love them and want to help. The initial wave of volunteers was truly just the beginning. Right now, our communities are open for business, and we hope our ‘off-the-mountain' friends will visit on their vacations and consider volunteering for a day, too.”
Mountain Strong apparel and stickers are still available for those wishing to purchase and show support for the mountain communities. Each purchase helps make a difference and impact the future of Western North Carolina.
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About Mast General Store
The Mast General Store's original location is in Valle Crucis, North Carolina built in 1883. It is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places as one of the best remaining examples of its type. The store houses an official United States Post Office and offers nickle coffee that you can sip, on cold days, around the potbellied stove. Being a true General Store, Mast General Stores stock over 400 brand names in categories ranging from hard-to-find home goods, the latest outdoor gear, fashion apparel, footwear, toys from yesteryear and local & regional favorites. Each location has an extensive knife shop and more than 500 varieties of old-fashioned candy by the pound. Mast General Store has eleven store locations. The Original Store and Annex (just 2/10th of a mile down the road) in Valle Crucis, NC - Asheville, NC - Boone, NC - Columbia, SC - Greenville, SC - Hendersonville, NC - Knoxville, TN - Roanoke, VA - Waynesville, NC - Winston-Salem, NC. Mast General Store's home office is Valle Crucis, NC. Visit mastgeneralstore.com for more information.