NWTF Staff Rally for Community After Helene Destruction
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — In partnership with Golden Harvest Food Bank, the NWTF used its headquarters in Edgefield, South Carolina, as a distribution center to hand out food, water and supplies to those reeling from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. While many of the NWTF’s staff and volunteers were impacted significantly by the hurricane, those in the area that were able to help others did so.
“As a result of Hurricane Helene, many in our community have suffered loss, including their food and water supply due to not having electricity,” said Mandy Harling, NWTF national director of Education and Outreach. “Yesterday we were able to provide boxes of nonperishable food and cases of water to our neighbors thanks to Golden Harvest Food Bank. The Edgefield community has supported the NWTF through the years, and this was another way we could give back.”
Hurricane Helene caused immense destruction across the Southeast, including downed powerlines, flooding, blocked travel routes and overall unprecedented damage to towns and communities. Many within the surrounding area of the NWTF’s headquarters were seriously impacted, being without power, supplies and communication for an extended period of time.
"With all the loss of life and property in and around Edgefield, we thought it was important to make sure we did what we could to help those in our community who are experiencing difficulties with finding the basic necessities like food and waterm" said Rhett Simmons, NWTF Palmetto Shooting Complex manager. "Golden Harvest Food Bank brought us nonperishable food packs and cases of bottled water from Atlanta and we distributed them to approximately 120 families in the Edgefield area. Although small in comparison to the needs for families in our home base of Edgefield, we are hearing stories told of NWTF staff pitching in to help their neighbors cut downed trees, bring needed food, water, fuel and other basics to those in need. I have helped out a couple of elderly neighbors by cutting trees from their driveway and bringing them fuel, water and food because they can’t get to the store."
After the storm, NWTF co-CEOs Jason Burckhalter and Kurt Dyroff encouraged NWTF staff impacted by the ruinous hurricane to help their families and communities, knowing that it will take time for communities to return to a semblance of normalcy.
"Hurricane Helene destroyed communities, downed trees and left countless homes and businesses without power, including our home office in Edgefield,” Burckhalter said. "The NWTF is a special organization due to the people — our volunteers, members and staff — that serve the mission. So, we are praying for the safety of our family flock and beyond who have been impacted by the storm and will continue to assess the situation and find ways to ensure our people and our communities recover.”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.