After The Storm
Okay everyone. Let’s get real. I’m Zulah Talmadge with The Shady Pines Gazette news. 
We’ve got to roll up our sleeves and help people affected in multiple states.
Just like us, I know you’ve seen photos and videos of the devestating destruction from Hurricane Helene. 
We watch homeowners knee derp in mud picking up the pieces.
Recue crews are out looking for folks whose homes and businesses were washed away or severely damaged by raging floodwaters.
Whole communities have been wiped out.
The impact from Helene will be felt by people in many states across the southeast for months – maybe years.
That’s why here in Shady Pines Story Town we are working together to find ways to help.
Let’s All Pitch In
We are calling this all- hands-on-deck effort: The Lantern Project. We aim to spread light and love through our efforts and donations to people in need. 
Rita Mallena, Director of the Shady Pines Community Center, has set up a donation location there. You can drop off daily living supplies, clothing, water and more. Zula has posted a list of items that are being collected.
One thing we learned right away is that we need to work with The Red Cross and other big relief organizations.
Local authorities don’t want a bunch of folks 
rushing into these hard hit areas and then getting stuck because of washed out roads.
They don’t need to do any more rescuing than necessary.
Even though we had very little damage from the storm here, 
we’ve got neighbors worried about friends and loved ones who live in some of the affected areas.
Because of that, Mayor Beauregard Fibbs has set up a communications center at City Hall.
He has staff members standing by to help our Shady Pines residents get in touch with local officials to see if they can get updates on missing relatives and such.
Restoring Power
Making these connections is proving to be hard to do. Crews are working round the clock to restore power and cell phone service knocked out by the storm.
But there are places that are very hard to reach.
These efforts may take more time than anyone wants and test the patience of a lot of people.
While all of this is going on, Scoop, the Cub Reporter, is working with teachers and parents whose children attend The Shady Pines Elementary School.
Their goal is to round up clothes, toys, books and educational materials to be donated to kids in the flood zones who are missing those things right now.
After all, their young lives have been turned upside downby Hurricane Helene, too.
While we here in our small Southern 
town continue to find ways to help those in need, we encourage you to do the same. No one is safe from the ongoing threat of severe weather. That’s something that unites all of us.
The Lantern Project is another way we express compassion as part of our ongoing Kindness and Caring Campaign.
As a symbol of support, maybe you’ll want to put out a lantern too!
– Zulah out
Great post and reminder of how we can help and continue to shed compassion and kindness to people in need. Love the Lantern Project !
I’m so glad you like the Lantern Project Linda. Thank you!
Every time I see the images of the aftermath of Helene I want to cry. This was a very uplifting post. Thank you
That means a lot. Thank you Sharon!
You know what I think is really important about this post? It’s thoughtful and kind.
I really like the Lantern Project. What a great way to help children understand the need to help others.
So glad you liked it Jim!
Once again, you have found timely ways of sending home the message of kindness and caring for others.
Thank you so much Merridy. Really appreciate it!
Thanks for another timely article and expression of kindness. The Lantern project is a wonderful idea.
I’m so happy you like the idea Teresa!
The Lantern Project is a perfect, spreading light and love, bring all together to help those in need.
Thank you Janis. I’m so glad you liked it!
It is so inspiring to see how the characters and stories from Shady Pines are making a positive impact on children. What a valuable life lesson.
Thank you so much for that Tammy!
Terrific piece.
Thanks for getting the word out.
Thank you Frank. I appreciate that!
How do you do it Shady Pines? You touch our heart with such a good response to the devastation. I’m putting a lantern out now!
This reports goes to EVERYONE’s
heart…young & old The devesta-
tion will take years if even possible
Shady Pines was spared but after
this edition all of us see and know it could have been any or all of us next time You have targeted all
the areas each of us can help with
Your report will awareness and assistance to Asheville and surrounding areas
Oh Jane. Thank you for that. I was hoping people would feel we are all in this together. So happy you felt that!
Thank you for confirming that we all can “lend a hand” by not being there in person. We feel helpless but aren’t if we donate. It’s the least we can do.
That’s exactly what I hoped people would feel. Thank you Elaine!
Boomer and Halley would approve: help the animals stranded by Helene: https://www.humanesociety.org/
Excellent point. Thank you for the link Sheri!
Right on time with the news. Shady Pines always delivers a heartfelt way to express kindness. Thank you
An excellent article proving that Shady Pines is in “real time” and reminding us to show that we care
Thank you so much Joanne. Glad you liked it!
I love the lantern project. Reminds me a little of the lights we put out for our health care workers during Covid! Thank you!
That’s a really good comparison Sharon. Thank you!
Very informative article. Anyone can also donate money on Governor Cooper’s website https://pay.payitgov.com/ncdonations
The Lantern Project is such a great idea!
Thank you for adding that link Barbara. Really appreciate it!
The Lantern Project is a great name. It is essential to children’s maturation that they learn to help others in need. Great post and example of kindness in Shady Pines!
Thank you so much for pointing that out Sheri!
I like the Lantern Project. Very good idea
I still can’t believe what we’re seeing in the aftermath of Helene. Good post