Harvest for Hope: Local effort to help feed families in Western North Carolina

RIEGELWOOD, NC (WWAY) — We caught up with a local nonprofit taking a hands-on approach to helping our neighbors in Western North Carolina. Dixie’s Deer Processing is kicking off its “Harvest for Hope” campaign, collecting fresh meat donations for families still displaced by Hurricane Helene.

Founders Myles and Hannah Swain are loading a tractor-trailer with ground venison, which they will personally distribute in Western North Carolina.

The Swains encourage hunters to donate as much or as little meat as they’d like—because every donation counts. And for those who don’t hunt, they can still help by donating funds or freezers for storage.

Myles Swain wants the people of Western North Carolina to know that help is still on the way:

“Whenever catastrophes happen, you get help in the days and weeks after, but months later, people can feel forgotten. We want to let Western North Carolina know they’re not forgotten, and we’re working to get them some fresh meat – that’s one less thing they have to worry about.”

The Swains are also providing additional meal components, such as taco shells and seasoning, to help families prepare simple, hearty meals.

They plan to drive to the mountains at the end of January and will be collecting donations until then.