'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIF/8QAHxAAAgAHAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAAwQFBhESIVGB/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQL/xAAYEQACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEQECMf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Az7NnFXa0tVMOxMmU00N0dhSE0NEfPcQcjvLElp69HydOwEIQVlsvD//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
When Hurricane Helene struck in September 2024, it left a devastating mark on Western North Carolina and surrounding areas. The storm caused flooding and destruction. It claimed 106 lives in North Carolina.
Entire neighborhoods were wiped out, homes were lost, and among the many personal belongings that vanished were musical instruments, which are considered prized possessions for many in this region. This is because music is deeply rooted in the community culture.
To help bring music back to those who fell victim to Hurricane Helene, WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, which is an internationally syndicated radio and TV program, organized an instrument donation drive, Consequence reports.
On March 9, 2025, at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina, more than 2,000 musical instruments were given away for free to hurricane survivors. Among the instruments, there were guitars, violins, banjos, trumpets, and cellos.
Each donated instrument might carry with it a hope of restoring a small part of what was lost.
The official website of the State of North Carolina shared in a press release,
"There are 106 verified storm-related fatalities in North Carolina as of Feb. 7, 2025, due to Hurricane Helene. Beginning December 19, 2024, NCDHHS started providing updates only when there are changes. The information is verified through official channels and is subject to change based on investigation."
It also added,
"It is important to note that only emergency responders tasked with supporting fatality management after the storm are qualified to move, document and transport decedents. Anyone else who encounters evidence of a person who has died, or a family who needs help with a loved one who has died, should call emergency services for assistance."
Hurricane Helene's impact on North Carolina was severe
In an official fatality data report mentioned on the State of North Carolina website, the number of fatalities per county was shared, which is as follows:
- Ashe: 1
- Avery: 5
- Buncombe: 43
- Burke: 1
- Catawba: 1
- Cleveland: 2
- Gaston: 1
- Haywood: 5
- Henderson: 12
- Macon: 2
- Madison: 4
- McDowell: 1
- Mecklenburg: 3
- Mitchell: 3
- Polk: 1
- Rowan: 1
- Rutherford: 4
- Wake: 1
- Watauga: 2
- Wilkes: 1
- Yadkin: 1
- Yancey: 11
In the wake of the disaster, many residents faced financial hardship and emotional distress. For musicians, losing an instrument was more than just losing an object. Hence, WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour stepped in to help.
Led by folksinger and host Michael Johnathon, the program has a history of organizing musical aid for disaster victims.
Consequence reported that before the donation program, Michael shared in a statement:
"We haven’t forgotten the situation of folks affected by Helene. You are the comfortable rocking chair of America’s musical front porch. So many people donated violins, guitars, cellos, banjos, trumpets, and more. The response has been phenomenal."
Previously, Johnathon and his team donated 1,000 instruments to tornado victims in Kentucky in 2021 and another batch to flood survivors in Appalachia in 2022, reports claim. This time, they did it for Helene survivors.
Trending
Read More
Fans react as Stray Kids announce new single 'Mixtape: dominATE'
Your perspective matters!
Start the conversation
