NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. — It’s been freezing in the western North Carolina mountains, and after Hurricane Helene, many people are now suffering through these cold conditions as well. 

Across the state, people are wondering how they can continue to help their western neighbors as winter approaches. 

One man from the coast is hoping to fill a trailer full of cold weather supplies to send to western North Carolina next week.

What You Need To Know

  • Parts of western North Carolina have already seen their first snow
  • Many people are left without a home or even power after Hurricane Helene and are now facing these cold conditions head-on
  • A man from the coast is hoping to fill a trailer full of cold weather supplies to send to the mountains next week

Jay Whiskey is the kind of person who would give the shirt off his back to help someone. 

“I’m always a person that gives back, and I think that our community always gives,” Whiskey said. “And when I have a chance to give, that’s what we’re supposed to do.”

He said that altruism extends not only to humans but animals too. He even saved his comfort dog, Little Bit.

“Little Bit was a rescued dog, and then she rescued us,” Whiskey said. “Because she gives back to us and the community.”

Little Bit is a rescued dog and a service animal. (Spectrum News 1/Natalie Mooney)

Together, they’re giving back to a community that needs their help more than ever: western North Carolina.

“As soon as the hurricane hit up there and I seen the devastation,” Whiskey said, “I knew I had to do something.”

The region continues to recover from Helene, but there’s still so much to be done — and it’s only getting colder. Parts of the mountains have had their first snowfall of the season. 

Whiskey said he can’t imagine what it must be like to lose a home — or even power — and know that winter is coming.

“These people lost their homes in the middle of nothing,” Whiskey said. “And what homes are still left are caves.”

Whiskey accepts some cold weather donations. (Spectrum News 1/Natalie Mooney)

That’s why he organized a donation drive for warm clothes, blankets, heaters and generators. Whiskey is hoping to fill a 45-foot trailer and take it to the mountains next Friday.

Little Bit will be making an appearance as well. Whiskey will be bringing all three of his service dogs and setting up a tent to allow people to come get warm, sit down and feel a Little Bit of happiness.

The trailer is at the Cape Fear Presbyterian Church in Wilmington. Donations can be made from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. now through Oct. 25.