Hope After Helene: Car show, donation drive set for Autumn Leaves Festival

Many groups in this part of the state have decided to take up collections of donated goods to support those in the Western parts of the state who are recuperating from the aftermath of Helene.

During the Autumn Leaves Festival this week, there will be several events at Veteran’s Park, 691 W. Lebanon St., Mount Airy, that will double as fundraising and collection events for Helene relief.

Chasing SS Cars & Vintage Steel are hosting a three-day car and bike show with a swap meet at Veteran’s Park. The event kicks off Thursday morning at 8 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. with the same hours of operation on Friday and Saturday as well.

Admission to the event is $3 on Thursday, $5 for Friday, and $7 for admission to Saturday’s events; kids under the age of 12 are admitted free of charge. Saturday will include a judged card, truck, and bike show with a $15 entry fee. Also, vendor spaces can be secured for $30.

Finally, the group is hosting a Model Car Contest on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for ages fourteen and under. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each class.

To learn more about the car show, model car contest, or swap meet contact Erik Herdman at 540-577-9672.

Chasing SS Cars partnered with Alliance Bible Fellowship and Samaritan’s Purse for a collection drive to gather supplies for both residents of Western North Carolina and those still involved in rescue or cleanup operations.

By now, the requested items list for those in the disaster zone may be familiar to many. For those who are not sure what to donate the group recommended water, canned food, pet food, first aid supplies, feminine hygiene items, baby formula, diapers, gloves, and socks.