Hurricane Helene was a tropical storm that formed in the Atlantic Ocean on September 24 and later emerged as a hurricane after 5 days. It was a tropical cyclone that formed in the Atlantic Ocean and caused mass fatalities and destruction across six states including Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. Across these six states, the hurricane left people homeless. Its biggest impact was in North Carolina and Tennessee. Roads were destroyed and even towns were demolished. Florida had damage across the coast and as rescues and people tried to clean up the damage from Helene. Hurricane Milton started to form a path that would directly hit Florida again.
During the traumatic times, devastation, and casualties this past month, many support groups and people gathered together to help those in need. People tend to support each other more and offer to help neighbors and strangers in times of need and this helps strengthen community bonds.
Sarah Brown, a Carolina Forest High School teacher, works with an organization called Guardians of Rescues and Paws for War, a nonprofit organization that helps protect the welfare of animals and their owners. She has been in the organization since 2020 and has been on about three specific missions because of natural disasters. The group has saved approximately 30 animals, and she enjoys being in the organization because animals are her first love.
Brown thinks people should join rescues to help and care for each other and living creatures. She recently travelled to North Carolina to help rescue animals from the disasters that were caused by the hurricanes.
“I love working with animals in general. The rescue organization provides an avenue for veterinary care but rehabilitating animals and showing them compassion is such a rewarding feeling. Watching an animal learn to trust humans is an incredible experience for me. I wish I could save them all,” Brown shares.
Madison Jakell, a senior at CFHS, thinks other students should get involved with different organizations because it benefits themselves and the community.
Jakell states, “I enjoyed helping at a dog shelter because it was beneficial to me and the dogs. The dogs received the attention they needed instead of them sitting in a cage.”
Being in an animal rescue can be beneficial for both the volunteers and the animals. The volunteers can feel rewarded and fulfilled saving animals in need. For the animals, they get the extra care and attention they need. Take time to visit their website: guardiansofrescue.com.
Involving yourself with different organizations and support groups can benefit many lives. These groups can offer support, resources and shared experiences in times of need. Joining community groups will help build connections, support, and networking. A person can join many different organizations if they want to help volunteer, donate, foster, or even spread awareness.
