When Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina, Mobile, Alabama, residents Jamee Booth and Jason Pugh stepped in to help. Their vision to deliver Christmas joy to families affected by the storm sparked a nationwide effort, drawing donations from across the country.
The storm left mountain communities struggling to recover. Debris piled along roads, homes sat in disrepair, and resources for rebuilding were scarce. “This cannot be forgotten,” said Pugh, explaining why they felt compelled to act.
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Booth and Pugh reached out to schools in Avery County, gathering holiday wish lists from children. The items requested were modest—clothes, toys, and sports gear. Within weeks, donations poured in, enabling them to fill a truck with hundreds of gifts.
Booth shared her gratitude for the overwhelming support. “I got calls from all over the country,” she said. “People wanted to help in any way they could.”
The mission was deeply personal for Booth, who lost her son in a tragic accident. She described the effort as healing, saying, “Bringing Christmas to these families helps me feel connected to the spirit of the season.”
Their journey through North Carolina revealed the extent of the devastation. Despite the challenges, Booth and Pugh expressed hope that their effort would inspire others to continue supporting those in need.
