Woman running Ashe County nonprofit an unsung hero amid western NC rescue process

WEST JEFFERSON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Unsung heroes are stepping up to help people get basic food and water during the crisis ongoing in western North Carolina.

Catherine Massey is one of them. She runs the Musicians Mission of Mercy nonprofit organization based out of Ashe County and says the devastation from Helene has skyrocketed demand for help.

“Nobody here has power, nobody here has cell service,” said Massey. “We’re seeing total devastation, roads out, bridges out. We’re trying to get helicopters to extract them and their drop supplies in.”

She has a team of volunteers with SUVs and ATVs, or who even go on foot to those in need. She may even need to call in a helicopter.

“The ones that are there are trying to stay there as much as they can, because they have nowhere else to go.”

Massey says they are urgently asking for supplies as they work to distribute them to people in need.

A staging area is set up in West Jefferson. The greatest needs are water, food, batteries, flashlights, pet food and drones to get into areas helicopters cannot.

“These people are American treasures. It’s amazing because they’re helping each other as much as they can,” Massey said. “We don’t want people to lose hope. We’re coming as fast as we can to get them out safely and get them the provisions they need to survive and thrive.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.