VALLE CRUCIS, NC – Mast General Store’s Mountain Strong Fund continues to support recovery from Hurricane Helene’s destruction. The latest donations from the fund are $5,000 to BeLoved Asheville and $2,500 to the Barefoot Baby Foundation. These donations bring the total amount donated from Mountain Strong Funds to $235,000.
“It’s going to be a marathon to rebuild what was taken away from us in Western North Carolina,” said Lisa Cooper, Mast General Store president. “We are fortunate to have so many established groups that rolled up their sleeves as soon as they could to begin the long journey of restoration.”
This is the second contribution given to BeLoved Asheville. In a joint statement, the co-directors of the organization shared, “Thank you for understanding that recovery and healing for our region is a long journey. We know that your gift will make a deep impact on so many of our neighbors who have lost so much. The process of restoration is a powerful symbol of hope in these times."
BeLoved Asheville is a group that was already working to resolve many of the region’s toughest challenges including homelessness, food insecurity, poverty, climate change, and social injustice, which are now even more severe.
It is also the second donation to the Barefoot Baby Foundation.
“The Barefoot Baby Foundation is honored to receive this generous support through the Mountain Strong Fund,” said Alyssa Hughes, the foundation’s executive director. “These funds will help bring our Memory Mobile to life this summer, creating moments of joy and connection for families across McDowell County and other hurricane-affected communities. We’re deeply grateful to the Mast General Store team and every customer who made this possible.”
The Barefoot Baby Foundation is an outgrowth of Barefoot Baby Clothing. Its goal is to help restore the essence of a simpler, more connected childhood by promoting family bonding and outdoor activities.
“We are grateful to all our guests who have supported our Mountain Strong merchandise and efforts,” continued Cooper. “We are especially thankful for those who have given their time, talent, and money directly to help in an even more meaningful way.”
Mountain Strong merchandise is still available online and in stores and will continue to support the rebuilding efforts in Western North Carolina.
The donation total for the Mountain Strong Fund is $235,000, including the most recent contributions. Recipients include: Appalachian Theatre of the High Country ($15,000), Barefoot Baby Foundation ($2,500), Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity ($10,000), United Methodist Committee on Relief office for Ashe and Watauga Counties ($10,000 for returning residents to their homes that are safe and secure), MANNA FoodBank ($10,000 – to continue their mission to end hunger in 16 mountain counties), RiverLink ($10,000 – for riverbank stabilization and repairs to parks), Valle Crucis School Parent Teacher Student Organization ($10,000 - to help teachers reassemble their teaching aids), Boone Area Chamber Foundation ($20,000 - helping small businesses in Ashe, Avery, and Watauga Counties recover), Downtown Spruce Pine ($20,000 - a Main Street organization helping small businesses get back on their feet), MountainTrue ($25,000 – an organization that advocates for clean waters, resilient forests, and health communities), BeLoved Asheville ($20,000 – a community working to create Home, Health, Equity, and Opportunity for all in our mountain home), Asheville Chamber for Small Businesses ($20,000 – this group is helping small businesses who may not qualify for other funds get back on their feet), River Arts District Foundation ($20,000 – helping restore the creative heart of Asheville), and Boone Area Chamber Small Business Grants ($25,000 – helping businesses in Watauga County recover from loss of business and infrastructure).
# # #