"Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve." Martin Luther King Jr…read more Imagine how in an instant it could all be gone. The sea can be swept up and be in your space. Down pours of rain can cause massive flooding and landslides. For the recent hurricane Helene it has caused extensive damage and flooding for several states. Some cities in states such as North Carolina will never recover or return. So many families in despair. Then we had hurricane Milton hit a week later, devastating Florida, but not as powerful as the prior hurricane. We forget about storms and the power of what they can actually cause. It's all a cycle that has brought to our memories. In the wake of this tragic storm organizations exist to provide relief for those that need help. If your able to provide any assistance this is an organization that ensures that your donations will be delivered to those in need. You can even provide your own donation of your time to this organization too. As humans we have a great deal of hope in the wake of tragedy to come together when strife hits. This organized group is the boots on the ground at ground zero to make it all happen. As humans we watch and listen to those individuals that have been harmed, killed, starved, and tortured at the hands of Mother Nature. While they can control the weather, in the end we will come together and fight against that which pushes us down. We will get up and never go down without a good fight for any reason. Life is about living and helping our fellow citizens and those around us. Keep up the good fight and plan for the worst for the next disaster could take you through strife.

Samaritan's Purse is a religious non profit organization striving to provide aid for those in need…read moreall over the world, especially in 3rd world countries and areas of disasters. I respect all religions. Just for the record I am definitely not trying to recruit or convert anyone. I just discovered Operation Christmas Child through a friend, and I wanted to help out too. Operation Christmas Child is where you build a shoebox of essentials and other goodies to give to a child in a third world country. This year they have their own boxes to optimize their operations. The boxes are also sturdy so it serves as an additional purpose for the child who receives it. You can decide to give to a boy or a girl, with the following age ranges: 2-4 yrs, 5-9 yrs, or 10-14 yrs. If you need inspiration, you can go onto their website for suggestions. Some of the items I felt were essential were socks, comb, toothbrush, chapstick, deodorant, stationary, water bottle (to store water, as their water source may not be nearby), and some fun small trinkets that fit into the box. Be sure to check the list for items you should include such as snacks since they are perishable or liquids that may spill and damage all the goods. If you happen to be busy, you can also build a box online or have someone build it for you. 2020 has been a hard year for everyone on a global scale, but I know there are others out there to have it much worst than I do. It was very fun to put together my Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and I plan on making this an annual traditional.

I love that Village Thrift is run by the local Blowing Rock Women's Club, and all items are sold…read morefor scholarships for local kids. They raised $145,000 in the 2025/2026 season, too--wow! That's even more than my local women's club raised (through donations and fundraising only) for the same period. The store is neatly organized, and the prices are great. The day I stopped in, they were having a half-off sale on their women's clothing, and I was able to find several things that I liked. They also have a variety of housewares, cookware, linens, shoes, and decor. They even have a roomy fitting room to try on clothes. Note that they don't have any men's clothing. All of their items are donated, and many were higher-end brands. I found several Loft and Talbots tops and dresses that I had to purchase. Village Thrift is also fully run by volunteers who are friendly and happy to be there. I'll definitely return the next time I'm in town!

Scored some beautiful quality dresses for $10 each! Store layout was organized but don't miss the…read moreback sections and the basement! They also have vintage housewares and linens. The ladies were lovely, and I learned that their (significantly impressive) proceeds go to the local schools.

This house serves as a welcome center for the town. It has a parking lot of its own on what was a…read morepretty crowded downtown when I visited. The actual exhibitions were minimal and only a small part of the house was open. There was someone working there giving suggestions. There was also a handy water cooler and restroom in the back of the building, particularly notable in that the university itself did not have any buildings open for this purpose on a weekend.

A small gallery inside an historic house with lots of woodwork. This is a nice little place to pop…read morein, sit on the porch, sit on a bench under a tree, see a little art, and learn some Boone history. The man at the desk if very knowledgeable and friendly. A fun free activity.