COLUMBIA, S.C. — Many residents in the Midlands are still grappling with extensive damage left in Helene's wake. We found local heroes stepping up to assist neighbors in need.
“Things were started to build up, but it was very easy to come in. They have been great; they have everything on site," Saluda County resident Sharon Eargle said. "I had brought pods for my clothes, but they actually had laundry detergent and everything you needed.”
Eargle came to JC's Outdoors in Gilbert to shower and noticed they were giving people the chance to wash their clothes.
“These people have been absolutely wonderful. I've been here for probably about two hours today washing clothes. They have fed people. People have come in and taken showers. They have water, and they've just been extremely gracious,” Eargle said.
JC's Outdoors is a sporting goods store owned by Chris Veronee. The store is named after Jesus Christ, and he says he prioritizes customers over commerce. Since the storm, Veronee has provided free meals, hot showers, and laundry services for the community.
“We all been in a situation to where we couldn’t, didn’t have something to eat or whatever. We just doing what we do, that's what we do here," Veronee said. "In Gilbert, we all stick together, we all pick up where other ones left off, and help each other.”
Radius Church is also assisting with recovery efforts. The campus in Lexington is collecting canned food and water and will deliver to their church in Saluda. Church members spent time over the weekend helping neighborhoods to clean and clear yards.
“Whether you go to Radius or not, like, it doesn't matter, but you are responsible for those people in our sphere of influence," Pastor Reeves said. "And so when, when times are tough, we give. We don't go run away, we give."
Radius Church is still coming up with a plan to execute for the upcoming week.
Even though the destruction is putting people in tough situations, people are looking on the brighter side.
“I am going home. The dryer is not working, but that's okay," Eargle said. "Sun is shining, so I'm going to go home and I'm going to put clothes out to dry."
The owners of JC's Outdoors told us that they are going to continue providing aid to the community until everyone has power.
