• Cierra Ivey

Small Town, Big Heart

AIKEN, S.C. - “The South’s Best Small Town.” That is the first sign you see when driving into Aiken, S.C.

A little over 32,000 people call this place home, but after Hurricane Helene charged through, residents say their beloved town is unrecognizable.

“No one thought it was going to be this bad,” a resident said as they grabbed hot meals from The Salvation Army canteen.

The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Service crews have been deployed across five states impacted by Hurricane Helene. Aiken, S.C., was one of the areas severely affected. Although nearly all residents require assistance, local individuals and organizations have come together to aid those in greatest need.

Dre Bull, a driver with The Salvation Army of Aiken, is one of those individuals, despite experiencing his own hardship.

“I am still out of power, and the county says it may be another week before they turn it on,” he says. Brenda Green, a resident monitor with The Salvation Army Shelter in Aiken, says she lives in a rural area of town and might be without power for at least three more weeks. Yet, both still come to work ready to serve on the front lines, handing out hot meals and distributing toiletries.

“I couldn’t even believe it. I was shocked,” says volunteer Danielle Elliott. “I’m thinking we’re never going to recover.”

Elliott and her family went without power for three days without damage to their home. Her colleague Ellen Luton wasn’t so lucky. Luton’s house suffered major damage after Hurricane Helene. Many trees were uprooted during the storm, damaging her home, main water pipe, and air conditioning unit. Nonetheless, both ladies saw the need in the community and grabbed their United Way team to serve meals with The Salvation Army.

“We’re all in this together. We have to help each other out,” Lutton says.

Aiken County YMCA opened its doors for residents to shower and charge their devices. They also allowed The Salvation Army to bring the Canteen and serve hot meals.

“There is still hope for those who have gone through a lot,” says Jennifer Greene with Aiken County YMCA. “I’m glad we can help.”

Personnel at The Willcox Hotel in Aiken felt the same way. They sent their mobile kitchen to a local Salvation Army shelter, where it served around 200 meals. One family of eight served has been living in the shelter for two months, saying the storm worsened their situation. However, they keep positive throughout their journey, saying they are grateful for the help from The Salvation Army and are happy that everyone is still together.

Other local organizations have joined The Salvation Army to help the community, including Horse Creek Academy and Fearless Church, which distributed bagged lunches and other vital items. In addition, employees with Aiken County gave out baby essentials like diapers and formula.

“It’s been wonderful to see the comradery and everyone working together because we all know we have to do this together,” says Lutton.

Together – a small town showing more than just southern hospitality, earning them the title of “The South’s Best Small Town.”