Whitire, S.C. Community Comes Together Post-Hurricane Helene
Whitmire, South Carolina, has been facing quite a tough situation following the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. The storm left a significant portion of Newberry County in the dark, with a staggering 61% of residents still without power as cleanup efforts are ongoing. This little town, which has been among the hardest hit, is approaching the fifth day without electricity. Many locals are feeling the strain as they struggle to meet their basic daily needs.
Newberry County Council Chairman Todd Johnson shared the reality of the situation stating, “We are really lacking a lot of basic needs at this point, but we’re working together to get through it.” The sight of fallen trees and downed power lines has left much of Whitmire in darkness, making it a challenge for many families. Johnson explained that not only are people dealing with outages, but they are also facing issues like “no way to cook and a pressing need for water.”
Community Response: Food and Support
In a show of community spirit, Johnson, alongside members of Grace Baptist Church, organized a food truck to help those in need, and they have reportedly served over 400 individuals on Main Street. Johnson noted, “We wanted to do something for the community, but all of the people that you see serving here are also without power.” Isn’t it inspiring to witness neighbors stepping up to help each other during tough times?
The essence of Whitmire has transformed into something remarkable during the recovery phase. Families gather in lines for food, a local pharmacy continues to serve its customers—even in the dark—and charging stations have popped up around town for residents to connect with loved ones. It is heartwarming to see how the community has rallied together to support one another.
Challenges in Everyday Life
However, the challenges are real, especially for residents like Marty Wilbanks. He reflected on the lengths one has to go for basic necessities: “We went and got the non-perishables, and you have to drive at least 30 miles out of town one way. But one good thing is the Lord has sent cooler weather.” A little silver lining amidst the chaos, wouldn’t you agree?
Whitmire’s leaders, including Mayor Billy Hollingsworth, expressed their uncertainty about when power would be fully restored. Still, there is a sense of pride in how the community has handled the situation. “Essential things are being worked out by the people, and it’s working great,” he stated. “I won’t say we’ve had a marvelous time, but it’s been an experience that we will never forget and one we will learn from also.”
The Outlook and Community Needs
Even amid the hardships, one thing rings clear: “The spirit of Newberry County, the spirit of Whitmire is alive and well, and we’re gonna take care of each other and get through this,” emphasized Johnson. This spirit isn’t just talk; it’s being demonstrated through acts of kindness and support.
In terms of electrical restoration, we reached out to Duke Energy for updates. The utility company has assured citizens that the vast majority of customers should have power restored by Friday evening at the latest, with many likely receiving their electricity back even sooner.
Meanwhile, Grace Baptist Church, which has played a vital role in feeding the community, is in need of ice or a refrigerated truck. This will help them store food and medication for those affected in town. As the community faces these challenges, the hope is that together they can weather this storm and emerge stronger than ever.
