Woodfin – Being ‘boots on the ground’ with Helene has been an experience that we at Emerald Ridge are not likely to forget. The heartbreaking tragedy has rendered us silent; there are no words. Numerous mountain communities near ‘The Ridge’ were not simply affected by the storm, but were rendered unrecognizable. So many lost all they ever knew or owned; family legacies were washed away in the water, mud and debris.
In the face of widespread disaster, Emerald Ridge has been humbled by the community outpouring of compassion and concern from people and places, far and wide. In the days following Helene’s wrath, we would see at least four to five trucks pull up from various people, churches, and donation centers to provide much needed items. There are so many people and organizations we want to thank, however the most outstanding is our local Woodfin Fire Department. WFD has orchestrated FEMA deliveries of food and water for staff, supplies for Residents, as well as a potable water tanker that supplies our facility water system with fresh clean water.
How can you thank these Champions?
Emerald Ridge was informed that one of their biggest needs were muck boots for slogging through the mud and debris. The toxins in the water and mud were eroding through their duty boots and their ‘dress-out’ boots are way too heavy for day-to-day operations. Emerald Ridge presented each full-time Fireman with a pair of boots to say thank you for the ongoing support they provide, not just for H elene’s aftermath, but year-round for any emergency. We are so proud of the men and women of the Woodfin Fire Department.