In addition to the tractor-trailer that Bob Borden and his team were able to take to eastern Tennessee, Alicia Gatto spearheaded a collection that would send supplies to the mountains in western North Carolina. Gatto was inspired to start a collection for the victims hit hardest, and she had previous experience in coordinating relief efforts.

“I coordinated relief efforts after Tropical Storm Sandy many years ago and instantly thought that I should try to do that for these victims too,” said Gatto.

Gatto was looking for a contact in western North Carolina and contacted family and friends with contacts in the southern states. Erin Haberneck-Halpainy had made a Facebook post about making supply runs to the mountains. Hence, a mutual friend connected the two. Haberneck-Halpainy is the wife of Jaik Halpainy, a native of Blockville, N.Y., graduate of Panama Central School and an engineer for Joe Gibbs Racing.

“I originally thought we would collect five or six pallets to ship to her (Haberneck-Halpainy),” said Gatto.

Donated relief was delivered to the mountains of western North Carolina thanks to a collaborative effort from Alicia Gatto of Warren and Erin Haberneck-Halpainy of Mooresville, N.C. Jaik Halpainy, Erin Haberneck-Halpainy, and two other volunteers stand before the unloaded relief aid sent by the Warren and Chautauqua county areas. Photo courtesy of Erin Haberneck-Halpainy

Gatto continued, “I created an event (on social media), and the response was incredible. There are so many good hearts in Warren and Chautauqua counties.”

All donations from the Warren and Chautauqua area organized by Gatto were delivered to a volunteer organization, Neighbors Feeding Neighbors.

According to Haberneck-Halpainy, “The Spruce Pine and Mitchell County residents are resilient. They have come together to form one town, #sprucepinestrong, and are helping each other through the process. I’m sure they’re experiencing various emotions now and in the future. No one would have imagined that something like this would have ever hit the little town of Spruce Pine, but all the residents are pitching in to help their neighbors. They are already starting to rebuild the town and have sometimes put the town’s needs over their own.”

Haberneck-Halpainy also shared a few stories of people who benefited from the supplies donated:

“One resident cried when she received a cold Coca-Cola because she hadn’t had power in two2 weeks, and she could just get out of her house, and something as simple as a Coke was all she wanted. Another resident cried when he was given a pack of adult diapers because he has end-stage bladder cancer and couldn’t get out of his house to the store because of a washed-out bridge. The simplest things bring these residents so much joy in their times of struggle, so thank you to Alicia and all of the donors who supported this cause,” said Haberneck-Halpainy.

Gatto also expressed appreciation: “It would not have been possible without the kindness and generosity of our volunteers and those who donated. It truly takes a village, and I think we have the best!”