President's Blog: Fall 2024
October 22, 2024
News reports have kept many of us up to date on the happenings in metro areas recently impacted by hurricanes, however, it doesn’t tell the story of the horrible damage and loss of life occurring in the rural areas. Many of those areas remain unreachable by rescue workers and, undoubtedly, conceal the loss of life there.
The situation is worsened by a lack of hope that things will improve soon, with many not expected to have electricity, water, cell phone service and other utilities reestablished for months. Plus, many residents didn’t have flood insurance so rebuilding will have to come from their own pockets, which are as damaged as their former homes and workplaces. It is difficult for people to get services with the collapse of roadways and no quick way for communities to rebuild infrastructure.
Kansans can watch from afar and breathe a sigh of relief that they weren’t impacted, however, no one really is unscathed. We all, unfortunately, know friends, relatives, work acquaintances and others that were impacted. This is a time to reach out and help our neighbors.
Numerous charities and organizations are mobilizing resources to support the recovery. These efforts are crucial in helping communities rebuild and recover. We are working with one of our North Carolina customers, with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm -- The Build for Good Foundation, which is using the funds to rebuild inaccessible mountain towns in Western North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, and Southwestern Virginia. Online go to Fundraiser by Emily Brinker : THE BUILD FOR GOOD FOUNDATION (EIN#47-3436075) (gofundme.com) to reach the organization’s GoFundMe page to donate directly to the cause. Our bank has contributed to the cause, and we hope you’ll consider helping too. Click on the link above to reach the organization’s GoFundMe page to donate directly to the cause.
In their own words, “We are hurting right now, but the High Country is strong.” It’s truly inspiring to see how people from unaffected areas are stepping up to help those impacted by hurricanes. Many individuals and organizations have shown incredible generosity and compassion.
It’s heartwarming to witness such solidarity and kindness. This should serve as a reminder to each of us to be prepared for weather disasters. (See a column inside this newsletter for details on how you can be more prepared for a weather emergency too.) They are occurring with greater frequency and ferocity, and we encourage you to be prepared. Your safety and financial well-being are our top priorities.
Stay safe and be prepared