Newberry Rallies Together After Hurricane Helene
NEWBERRY, S.C. — In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the spirit of community and kindness shines brightly in Newberry County. As residents and local organizations band together to recover from the storm’s effects, people are finding innovative ways to support those in need. One of the standout efforts comes from a remarkable 13-year-old girl named Hannah Chapman.
A Lemonade Stand with a Purpose
Hannah, who opened her first lemonade stand at the age of nine to raise funds for a friend’s daughter dealing with brain cancer, is back at it again. This time, she has launched an initiative called Lemonade 4 Love to help her neighbors affected by the hurricane. “This last week with the hurricane, I noticed there were so many houses that had nothing,” Hannah explained. “Most people did not have power, and I knew everything in their fridge would go bad.”
It’s clear that Hannah has a big heart, and her motivation comes from wanting to assist those particularly vulnerable in Newberry. “I was just thinking about those on a set income,” she reflected. “It may take them a while to pick themselves up from this, so I wanted to do something and raise money for them.” Her mother, Kimberley Smith, couldn’t be prouder. “I can’t express enough how proud I truly am that she wants to help other people,” she said, speaking of Hannah’s selflessness and compassion.
Empowering Others to Act
Hannah hopes that by taking action, she can inspire others her age to find ways to give back. “I would love to just see other kids my age getting involved and actually getting out from behind a screen,” she said. Her message is clear: the power of community is strong, and every little effort counts.
Local Businesses Lend a Hand
Hannah is not the only one stepping up to assist in relief efforts. Local businesses, such as Roma’s House of Pizza, have also shown impressive generosity. The popular eatery opened its doors to provide warm meals, serving over 600 plates of spaghetti to those impacted by the storm. “Tony [the owner] is such a nice, warm guy. You can come in and joke with him,” shared regular patron Tom Abraham, applauding the kindness of the restaurant’s efforts.
Becky Abraham, also a loyal customer, beautifully summed up the essence of giving: “It was just the kindness out of his heart. He just wanted to help, and that was his way to share.” This kind act resonates with many in the community, demonstrating how local businesses can beautifully connect with residents during trying times.
Individuals Get Involved
While enjoying lunch at Roma’s, the Abrahams shared their own plans to participate in relief efforts. “When we leave here, we’re going shopping and getting things on our list,” Becky noted, mentioning their intent to help those harder hit by the storm in North Carolina. It’s heartwarming to see the community come together and take tangible steps toward making a difference in the lives of others.
A Bright Future for Newberry
As Newberry continues its recovery from Hurricane Helene, the generous spirit demonstrated by individuals like Hannah and local businesses shines a light in the darkness. Together, these efforts reinforce the understanding that community support is vital—especially in times of need. Newberry is proving that even in challenging circumstances, compassion and kindness can create a ripple effect that inspires change and uplifts those around us.
Whether it’s through a lemonade stand, a warm meal, or simply spreading the word about the importance of helping one another, the people of Newberry are showing that they’ll rise together. And that’s the real heart of this tight-knit community.
