Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Editor’s Note: This article is the first in a series in which the Tryon Daily Bulletin intends to highlight unsung heroes in the community who came together to help their fellow neighbors after Helene.

COLUMBUS—Leigh Raymer started the Thermal Ridge Vegetable Stand at 2526 N. Hwy. 108E to help her 9-year-old son Rory with word problems and math. What began as a simple endeavor quickly became a full-fledged business, with Rory earning twenty dollars a week to keep the books. 

However, the stand has now taken on a new role in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

After stocking up on supplies from the Asheville Farmers Market to prepare for the hurricane, Leigh noticed the struggles people in the community faced due to a lack of cash and availability. In response, she decided to transition the vegetable stand into a free supply donation spot, which has rapidly evolved into a crucial resource for the community.

The stand has since become a central supply point in the area, attracting attention and support from visitors and volunteers who have been dropping off donations from as far away as Virginia and Minnesota. 

Leigh, supported by her husband Tyler and friends and neighbors, has become a source of inspiration. The stand serves as a symbol of one family’s commitment to helping their community.

Reverend Laura Crihfield and Judy Wiseman of the Yorkminster Presbyterian Church in Yorktown, Va., were among those who visited Thermal Ridge to drop off supplies and donations from their congregation. 

“It felt like a calling to help,” Crihfield said. She also mentioned plans to collaborate with local churches to bring additional supplies to the area.

Gwynne King, who volunteers at the stand, highlighted the incredible support from the community, with people stopping by and contributing items through their car windows.

When asked why they were providing this service, Leigh emphasized their love for the community and the immense devastation caused by the storm. “We were concerned about the financial burden many face due to the high costs of repairs and lack of access to essential supplies,” she said.

Despite uncertainties about the duration of their relief efforts, Leigh says they are committed to continuing to assist as long as possible. She shared that the stand has been going through approximately $2,000 of supplies each day, and intends to distribute any excess items to needed locations.

The most needed items include boxed milk, bread, juice, produce, eggs, diapers, wipes, water, and pet food. The stand continues to welcome donations of any kind and encourages those with an abundance of certain items to contribute while also taking what they need.

In addition, the stand is open to volunteers who can offer their time as needed, with daily hours of operation posted for those willing to assist.

It’s important to note that the Thermal Ridge Vegetable Stand is not a registered formal relief location but is informally accepting and distributing donations. Leigh will update donors on Facebook with pictures and stories of their daily activities to showcase their impact and reassure the community that help is available.

For those who have visited the stand, Leigh extended a warm invitation to return if they require further assistance, emphasizing that the stand is committed to supporting the community during this challenging time.