How the Spirit of Virginia Brought Taylors Valley Back to Life After Hurricane Helene

The Spirit of Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin’s organization dedicated to fostering community engagement and outreach, was alive and well on Friday, May 9th, as over 45 volunteers from across the Commonwealth gathered in Taylors Valley for a day of recovery and renewal in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Organized by the Governor’s Outreach Team under the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, the Taylors Valley Volunteer Action Day brought together neighbors, businesses, faith groups, and public officials to support families still recovering from the devastating effects of the storm that hit last fall.

The day-long event, as reported by local station WCYB-TV, highlighted the power of collaboration and the resilience of the Virginia community. From early morning until the evening, volunteers worked tirelessly to restore and revitalize the area, breathing new life into the valley with a variety of projects designed to aid recovery efforts.

A major focus of the day was landscaping the community center and eight private homes, with volunteers planting over 300 flowers and vegetables, spreading 250 pounds of grass seed, and restoring the veterans’ memorial. In addition, a new community garden was established, bringing the promise of growth and renewal to the neighborhood.

Inside two of the hardest-hit homes, volunteers installed cabinets, appliances, fresh countertops, and a mountain of donated furniture. The volunteers also set up a “leave-a-book/take-a-book” library, offering local residents an opportunity to share and enjoy books while they continue to rebuild their lives. A special “Mercy Mall,” filled with Amazon-donated household goods, was set up for residents to choose items like furniture, bedding, and cookware at no cost.

The success of the day was made possible through the generosity of individuals, businesses, and organizations that donated over $15,000 worth of supplies and resources. Richmond-based companies, including RC Transfer and Richmond Toolbox, were crucial in hauling truckloads of supplies into Taylors Valley, while Sandy’s Plants of Mechanicsville donated 200 gallon-size perennials to help beautify the community. Local businesses like Big Jake’s Garden, Tractor Supply, Dunkin’ Donuts, Walmart, and Food City underwrote vegetable plants, tools, snacks, and drinks to keep volunteers fueled for the day’s work.

Additionally, Campbell Construction of Saluda built and donated the Leave-a-Book/Take-a-Book Library, and Spectrum Paint of Fredericksburg contributed 35 five-gallon buckets of paint to refresh the community center. Niagara Water of Chesterfield shipped over two thousand bottles of water, while the Virginia Crime Prevention Association assembled over $10,000 worth of Amazon-donated furniture to distribute to residents in need.

In true community spirit, lunch was provided by Creeper Trail Café owners Beth and Steve Mann, who treated volunteers to midday burgers and hotdogs, paid for by Barry Moore and his network of accredited Richmond area businesses. Later, Patriotic Pitmaster BBQ of Abingdon served a community-wide dinner, sponsored by Senator Todd Pillion and Delegate Israel O’Quinn, both of whom spent the afternoon planting grass alongside residents. Congressman Morgan Griffith also made a special appearance to express his gratitude to the volunteers.

The impact on the community was immediate, with local leaders expressing their appreciation for the efforts made to restore Taylors Valley. “For me, the Adopt-a-Family Action Day in Taylors Valley was the fulfillment of a dream,” said John Coleman, Pastor of Walnut Grove Church of the Brethren. “It was my joy to see each household that was impacted by the floodwaters of Hurricane Helene, connected with a caring church, business or individual who came in this special day to serve the ongoing needs following the flood.”

Janet Bowling, president of the community center, echoed Coleman’s sentiments, calling the event “a true example of the love, kindness, and compassion from neighbors and friends who cared enough to help us make Taylors Valley better than it was before the flood.”

Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Gee praised the volunteers’ efforts, saying, “The volunteer efforts during our Taylors Valley Action Day reflect the very best of the Spirit of Virginia. Individuals, businesses, and organizations gave their time and treasure to turn recovery into renewal. I am inspired by every hand that worked and by the resilience of Southwest Virginia.”

The Taylors Valley Volunteer Action Day was a testament to the strength of community, the power of volunteerism, and the incredible generosity that continues to define the Commonwealth of Virginia. The event not only helped rebuild homes and restore public spaces but also highlighted the resilience and solidarity of the people of Southwest Virginia as they continue to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.