Stories of impressive philanthropy in response to Hurricane Helene continue to come in, including an effort by residents of the Elk River Club near Banner Elk.
The Elk River Helping Hands nonprofit was formed shortly before the disastrous storm in September 2024, with the intention to aid mountain residents in crisis.
“Suddenly, instead of having one or two situations a week that we wanted to help, now we had hundreds at one time,” says Jim McDaniel, president of the organization. “Amazingly, within a short period of time, people started making significant contributions to Elk River Helping Hands, and we got boots on the ground very quickly after the storm.”
A year later, the group has donated about $1.5 million to more than 300 families and individuals, purchased vehicles for people needing transportation, donated new mobile homes to three displaced families, and covered the costs of several funerals. Other efforts include buying appliances and furniture, helping with private bridge repairs and paying for medical services.
Helping Hands provides direct grants to families, with an average outlay of about $5,000. Volunteers meet with families who need help, many of whom are referred to the group by first responders
“Looking back, I’m surprised we were able to accomplish as much as we did in such a short period,” McDaniel says. “But we had to – there were so many people needing assistance.”
Plans call for the group to continue offering aid and raising funds through donations and events like a concert series hosted earlier this year. Artists including John Oates, Jimmy Fortune and Jim Lauderdale took part.
Harry and Spencer Robbins developed Elk River starting in 1982, partnering with Jack Nicklaus on a golf course that is considered among the state’s top tracks. The club has a 30-stall equestrian center, a 4,600-foot paved airport runway and a 50,000-square-foot clubhouse.
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