The 70-year-old widow was stuck in her home after the ice storm that struck the North Carolina mountains on Christmas day. Trees were down throughout her yard, and the sidewalks were treacherously slippery.

When she heard that Samaritan's Purse was responding to the disaster in our backyard—our international headquarters is located in Boone, N.C.—she called for help.

A team of volunteers quickly responded, and began to work around her home.

“She couldn’t walk outside because it was a solid sheet of ice,” said Sam Price, a volunteer from Mount Holly, N.C. “She couldn’t get to her car, or the mail.”

When they finished cleaning the sidewalk and porch and clearing debris, the team presented her with a Bible. She began to cry as they then prayed with her.

“I don’t think she’d ever been shown that kind of compassionate love,” Price said. “She was in tears.”

Price made the 110-mile drive from Mount Holly to Boone in severe winter weather just for the opportunity to show that kind of love.

“That’s why I do this,” he said. “If I left after that one, I was here for what God sent me to do.”

He is one of more than 90 volunteers from 11 states who have helped Samaritan's Purse help our neighbors in Watauga County.

The storm brought down countless trees and left nearly 20,000 people without electricity. Felled trees, debris, and icy conditions made roads impassable, and many residents found themselves stranded without heat in sub-freezing temperatures.

Power was restored throughout the county within days, but people are still affected by the aftermath of the storm while coping with frigid temperatures. Another round of severe weather put a deep freeze over Watauga and neighboring counties, with wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour and single-digit temperatures.

Despite the harsh weather conditions, dozens of volunteers have responded to the call for help. Crews are working long days to cut and remove fallen trees, clear debris, make emergency repairs on damaged houses, and minister to families who didn’t know where to turn for help.

“It’s a mission to me to come,” Price said. “It’s being the hands and feet of Christ.”

Price, 57, began volunteering with Samaritan's Purse over 10 years ago, and since then he’s been on “every response they’ve ever been on, except for a couple.” He owns a lawn maintenance company that he can turn over to his sons at a moment’s notice, allowing him time to fulfill what he sees as a mission.

“It’s a calling from God,” he said. “I’ve always had a compassion for people. Not just their physical needs, but their spiritual needs. You help your neighbors, and then offer something of lasting value.”

One of his favorite aspects of volunteering is meeting other volunteers from around the country.

“It’s a great group of people,” he said. “They’re here for the love of God. Jesus would be helping people in need. These people have that same desire.”

Samaritan's Purse will continue to take work orders from local residents affected by the storm through Friday, Jan. 15. Priority is given to the poor and elderly, and those whose sole residence is in the area. We are not using money from FEMA or any other outside source for this response.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Pray
• Please pray for the safety of residents who are trapped in their homes and whose food source may be running low.
• For the safety and health of our staff and volunteers and others who are working to help those in need.
• That our community will see the love of Christ through our efforts.

Volunteer
If you are interested in volunteering or organizing a team of volunteers, click here. Potential volunteers as well as residents needing assistance can call 828-278-1981.