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MIL SPRING—In an inspiring display of community spirit, Adair’s Rod and Gun Supply and Tim Edwards Landscaping Feed & Farm Store served as a donation drop-off point and hosted a concert and free BBQ lunch on Saturday, October 5. 

Tim and Alicia Edwards have served the community for over twenty years, and now it’s clear that their daughter Adair, who runs Adair’s Rod and Gun Supply, is continuing that legacy. Adair organized the concert to offer much-needed hope and joy to residents affected by Helene. Crowds from the surrounding areas attended, bringing together families and friends to celebrate resilience.

“We wanted to give folks a hot meal and some hope,” said Adair. “A lot of my customer base is Lake Lure, so for me, every person comes in, I make a connection and I’ve heard all these stories from all these people I’ve gotten to know over last two years that have lost their homes. And it’s pretty heartbreaking.”

The inside of Tim Edwards Feed & Farm Store had become a pivotal hub for storm relief donations, buoyed by a social media campaign spearheaded by Adair that generated support from nearby and out of state. 

“We were a drop-off point for about three weeks. We closed down our drive-through at the Feed & Farm Store and filled it with donations,” noted Adair. “We also worked with a couple of local people delivering aid on foot. We wanted to get donations here so we could get it to where we wanted it to go.” 

The event featured a delicious spread, with free BBQ, ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks served to all attendees starting at noon. A highlight for many was the live performance from The Dirty South Band, which kicked off at 2 p.m. Community members were encouraged to bring chairs and enjoy the local music.

Organizers ensured that supplies not distributed at the event would reach other affected communities, including Lake Lure, Banner Elk, Spruce Pine, and Burnsville. Thanks to Hero to Handyman’s coordination efforts, the donations will be delivered directly to families in need.

Adair expressed gratitude to those involved in the relief efforts. 

“Thank you to everyone who showed up and made our Hurricane Helene relief event successful. Especially Caitlyn Farms, which supplied a lot of the food,” she said. “We were able to help so many and bring a little light to this hard time.”

Alicia Edwards commended her daughter’s efforts. 

“She contacted and coordinated with Caitlyn Farms, Dawn Foster with Urban Carry Holsters, the band and volunteers, all while helping people in need by packing up essentials,” said Alicia. “We are very proud of her willingness to step up and observe the needs of others in our affected communities, considering she just turned 20.”

Adair’s Rod and Gun Supply and Tim Edwards Landscaping Feed & Farm Store have resumed their regular store hours and continue to support storm victims whenever possible.