Harrison Helps After Helene: SS Lawn and Landscape + 1860 Taproom Help Relief Efforts
When Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina, Harrison’s own Steve Rech didn’t hesitate to get involved. As the owner of SS Lawn & Landscape, Steve is no stranger to hard work, but this time, his focus shifted from lawns to lives. With a trailer full of supplies, Steve led an effort to provide much-needed aid to the flood-ravaged town, bringing not only resources but also hope to those affected.
Turning Idle Time into Action
In the slower months of the landscaping season, Steve noticed his equipment and trailers were sitting idle a few days of the week. He saw an opportunity to make them useful in a different way—by loading them up with relief supplies and heading south. He figured since this is the slow landscape season, why not make a difference?
What began as an idea between friends quickly gained momentum. Steve rallied friends, family, and the local community, raising an impressive $5,000 in cash donations and gathering an estimated $15,000 worth of supplies. Local businesses, including 1860 Taproom & Bottleshop, where Steve has been a long-time patron, were quick to jump on board, serving as collection points for donations.
A Community Effort
Steve's connection with 1860 Taproom worked out "perfect." He explained that he has been friends with the owners for years, and they were eager to help. The Taproom was already collecting for another trip to North Carolina, so when Steve approached them about gathering supplies for Newland, they didn’t hesitate to offer their space as a collection hub. The collaboration worked perfectly, allowing Steve to efficiently organize and transport the donations.
I know many people, myself included, have felt unsure about the best outlet for donating amid rumors of FEMA seizing donations, but Steve said he and his team didn’t encounter any of those issues. He added that having a local connection in Newland made a big difference in coordinating the relief efforts, ensuring that the supplies went exactly where they were needed. Interestingly, Steve also shared that some residents in the area didn’t even want government assistance, preferring to manage on their own or with the help of community groups.
What’s Next
Steve is preparing for another trip to Newland at the end of October, but this will primarily be a labor trip, helping people to rebuild. For those interested in joining Steve’s upcoming trip, the plan is to leave on Thursday, October 26th, and return by Sunday or Monday. Volunteers should be prepared for a hands-on experience, including camping out in the cold, as accommodations in the area remain limited.
If you want to donate goods, Steve's connection in Newland said the thing that they will need the most in the coming weeks is cold-weather gear. Everything from coats to heaters and fuel. Keep an eye on 1860's Facebook Page about future collections, and reach out to Steve if you would like to help on the labor trip or coordinate helping to bring winter gear collections down.
As Harrison continues to grow, it’s clear that local businesses like SS Lawn & Landscape are committed not only to serving their customers but also to helping those in need, wherever they may be. To learn more or to support Steve’s efforts, you can reach him at (513) 226-6592.