BURNSVILLE, N.C. - Following Tropical Storm Helene, the North Carolina National Guard transformed Fred’s Discount Store into a large distribution point for local residents to shop for resources at no cost.
“The door is open!” said Guardsman 2nd Lt. Cameron McElrath, who is assigned to 236th Brigade Engineer Battalion. “Anybody can come in.”
Shelves were stacked high with canned goods, fresh produce, and many other donated items. Unlike traditional grocery stores, residents took what they needed and skipped the registers.
“This is exactly what the guard should be doing, helping the community they live in,” said Guardsman Capt. James Hall who is assigned to the 120th Infantry Regiment.
The store opened its doors around Oct. 14th of this year and averaged more than 1,000 patrons per day.
Among the various volunteers, was Elizabeth Bullock who traveled from Greenville, S.C. to provide a helping hand when she heard additional volunteers were needed.
“It’s hard not to come help your neighbor when you know they need it,” Bullock said.
Just earlier that day, Bullock saw a local woman walk into Fred’s wearing a tank top amid chilling mountain temperatures. Without hesitation, Bullock gave her a blanket and a warm smile.
In support of Joint Task Force-North Carolina, the guard partnered with Yancey County, locally owned companies, the Red Cross, and various government organizations to ensure the community had essential items.
“The community knows the Guard is here and taking care of them,” Bullock said.