Even Nonprofits Need Help
Soon after Hurricane Helene hit, Black Mountain local Allison Hargus and other community volunteers began gathering and distributing food, water, clothing, household supplies, baby supplies, tools, and more, all while working out of an Ingles grocery store garden center parking lot.
Through mobile supply drops, a car line and more recently an in-person free store, Appalachian Community Relief has assisted thousands of people in the hard-hit Swannanoa Valley area.
As the group began exploring long-term sustainability, Aaron Gilmour reached out to Pisgah Legal Services Attorney Megan O’Dell for help with their Articles of Incorporation, drafting bylaws and applying to become a nonprofit organization. PLS has provided this free service to 40+ local nonprofits over the years.
“I don’t think I would have had the confidence to file the paperwork to become a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization without help from Pisgah Legal Services.
When Megan called me, I was overjoyed! Now we have a two-year lease and expect to serve hundreds of local people each week.”
– Aaron Gilmour
Director of Operations
Appalachian Community Relief