Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
At the Barefoot Baby Foundation, we are committed to helping Western NC families and communities rebuild after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. In addition to helping distribute supplies from donors within and outside the state, we have already begun several other projects for local families.
Supporting the Future with "Mountain Made" Book
In addition to our relief efforts, we are proud to offer Mountain Made, a children's book by the foundation director, Alyssa Hughes. This heartwarming story is written as a true account of what her six-year-old experienced during the storm and is dedicated to children affected by Helene. Every sale of Mountain Made sends profits to our foundation to support relief efforts, and our ongoing programs for families in western NC.
To Purchase through Amazon Prime, Click Here.
To purchase a signed copy, please visit Barefoot Baby.
*Interested in having your, your child's or your family's TRUE storm account featured in the hard cover edition of Mountain Made? Fill out this form.
Join Us in Rebuilding with the Front Porch Project
The Front Porch Project was created in the summer of 2024 with the intention of building safe, outdoor spaces for families where they could enjoy nature, bond together, and invite their neighbors. After Hurricane Helene, the importance of the front porch became even great.
There are families with no homes. There are families who are fearful of the outdoors. There are children whose worst memories are now associated with the world around them. These porches can be a light in the storm. In rolling our "This Little Light Project" into our Front Porch Project, we intend to give families mental well being, safety, and positive memories after utter devastation. We want them to remember that they are strong, that healing is available, and that bring outside as a family, specifically on the front porch, has not lost its power.
Donate to the Front Porch Project.
"This Little Light" Project
In the days following the hurricane, when many families were left without electricity and running water, we launched the This Little Light project. Through this initiative, we distributed over 1,000 “off-grid” activity kits, including coloring books, board games, and other hands-on activities to children throughout McDowell and Buncombe County, helping them cope during those dark, difficult days.
As our community continues to recover, This Little Light has expanded. Our new family kits are designed to help families bond, find gratitude, and gain strength together. These kits include special projects that allow families to reconnect and grow as they work toward rebuilding their homes and lives.
As of December 17, 2024, kits have been distributed at the following locations for pick up:
1. Corpening Memorial YMCA, Marion
2. McDowell Public Library, Marion
3. Grounded Coffee Shop and Deli, Marion
4. Gogos Cinnamon Rolls, Old Fort
(Kits have also been given directly to families at Marion Head Start in Marion and Mountain Laurel Montessori in Old Fort)
DONATE TO THIS LITTLE LIGHT PROJECT
Empowering Rural Farmers and Artisans
The Barefoot Baby Foundation also serves as a fiscal sponsor for donors who want to support rural farmers and artisans affected by the hurricane. These small business owners have lost their homes, crops, and livelihoods, and we are dedicated to ensuring that funds go directly to helping them rebuild their farms, homes, and businesses.
Visit the GoFundMe we support here.
As our community comes together to heal and rebuild, we invite you to join us in making a difference. Whether through donations, purchasing a copy of Mountain Made, or supporting local farmers and artisans, your help is invaluable in restoring hope and strength to our region.
Help us remind this community that they are strong, resilient, and hopeful.
They are Mountain Made.