Michael Hallisey and his family Cliffs Falls Resident Contributor’s faced significant challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. They were blocked from their driveway for several days and lost power and internet for two weeks. The family-run business, The Cheese Wheel, suffered a considerable loss of cheese, but they have since reopened. Despite the challenges at home, Michael traveled to Asheville last week to volunteer with Samaritan's Purse, an international relief organization. There, he assisted people struggling without basic necessities like food, water, and electricity due to the hurricane’s devastating effects.

Samaritan’s Purse is a Christian-based humanitarian organization that provides emergency aid, disaster relief, and long-term assistance to those in need around the world. Known for its swift response to crises, the organization mobilizes volunteers to help communities affected by natural disasters, delivering food, water, shelter, and medical support. Their work in Asheville following Hurricane Helene ensured that people facing devastating losses received vital care and assistance in the aftermath of the storm.