Helene's Aftermath

When Hurricane Helene made landfall in late September of 2024, it caused catastrophic damage across the Southeastern United States. Communities like Bakersville, North Carolina, experienced heavy wind, rains, and flooding. Businesses like Ledger Ace Hardware stepped up to help those in need.

"Nobody expected the devastation that we got," said Andrew, Ledger Ace Employee.

In Bakersville, damage to power lines left the town without power for an extended period, which affected phone service, businesses, and banks.

"In the first couple of weeks, the banks would only let you take out so much cash," said Lacey, Ledger Ace Employee. "People couldn't use their debit or credit cards like normal."

Many town residents found it difficult to make emergency purchases with limited cash on hand. Sherri, the manager at Ledger Ace, made sure customers got what they needed, even if they were temporarily short on cash.

"I told my husband — I said, 'I'm gonna run over to Ace Hardware and see if I can get some supplies.' It was cash only, and I was $20 short," said Elaine, a Ledger Ace customer.

"And we told her just take it home," said Sherri. "You wouldn't believe all the people that came back in and told us how much they appreciated it — that we're not like every other store."

Sherri and the team also made sure the first responders had the supplies they needed to help the community clear the storm damage.

"I said, 'Ooh, Sherri, I really need a chainsaw,'" said Ron, Deputy Sheriff. "Sherri said, 'Ron, take this one. I know where you live.' Everybody helped everybody else out."

Sherri and the team at Ace took great pride in stepping up to help the community.

"We're very grateful to play such an important role in people's lives — to ensure that they can rebuild," said Andrew.

"A community makes a store," said Sherri. "And if we can't be there for our community, then who are we?"