In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, communities across Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, North Carolina, were left reeling. This powerful storm displaced families and disrupted lives, leaving countless residents in urgent need of basic essentials. For Knoxville entrepreneur Elizabeth Donaldson, the devastation was a call to action—an opportunity to rally her community to help their neighbors in need. With the support of local business owner Bethany Erickson, Donaldson quickly mobilized resources, creating an impactful grassroots campaign aimed at bringing warmth, comfort, and hope to those affected.
Rallying the Community
Donaldson’s journey began simply, with a heartfelt delivery of teddy bears to Newport, Tennessee, where she saw the power that even small gestures of compassion could bring. “After talking to people and listening to their stories of unexpected devastation, I was moved to help however I could,” she shared. With winter approaching, her next goal became clear: collect coats and blankets for the families of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock who had lost so much.
Photo from Elizabeth Donaldson
In collaboration with Erickson, Donaldson organized an immediate delivery of these essentials. They filled a car with coats, blankets, and other much-needed items, then drove to the affected areas. Upon returning, Donaldson turned to social media to expand the effort, urging her community to contribute. “I made a Facebook Live call for people to check their closets for old coats and blankets,” she explained. “I let them know that to take away extra stress, I would come and pick up the items or meet them at a convenient location.”
Expanding the Relief Effort
As donations poured in, Donaldson set up additional ways for people to contribute. By using Venmo, she collected monetary donations to buy new coats, blankets, and more from local stores, which helped ensure people received items suited for the winter season. She also organized an Amazon wishlist under the name “Project Teddy Bear Hugs,” allowing supporters to donate specific items directly.
The response was overwhelming. The wishlist grew to include not just coats and blankets but hats, gloves, lanterns, solar-powered lights, portable heaters, sleeping bags, heavy quilts, air mattresses, camp stoves, and even portable showers. Each item addressed an essential need that could make a difference for the residents rebuilding their lives after the storm.
Donaldson’s inspiration to help came not only from witnessing others’ struggles but also from her own experience. Originally from New Orleans, she is no stranger to the impact of natural disasters. “I know what it’s like to be in a situation where you lose everything or need help,” she reflected. “This could have easily been some of us… my brothers and sisters in WNC and East TN need to know that we have their back.”
The Power of Collective Action
Since starting the campaign, Donaldson has rallied the support of local businesses, organizations, and individuals who share her dedication to helping others. She understands the importance of sustained support for those affected, especially as time passes and people begin to move on. “The biggest concern for these people is that as time passes, people will forget that they will need our help for a very long time. We cannot let that happen,” she emphasized. “I personally will not let that happen.”
The success of Donaldson’s campaign serves as a testament to the power of community involvement in times of crisis. “We need community involvement,” she said. “We need everyone in our area to understand that we the people are all WE THE PEOPLE have.”
How You Can Help
For anyone interested in supporting Donaldson’s relief efforts, donations can still be made through the Project Teddy Bear Hugs Amazon wishlist or directly via Venmo. Whether it’s gently used coats, blankets, or any other item from the wishlist, every contribution has a meaningful impact. Donaldson can also be reached for more information on coordinating donations through her official website and social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
In times of need, Elizabeth Donaldson proves that a strong sense of community can bring hope and resilience to those who need it most. Her dedication is an inspiring reminder that collective action can bring comfort and support to those facing their darkest days.