I am humbled with the outpour of our support for western North Carolinians who have suffered great losses due to Hurricane Helene.

The N.C. Emergency Center has activated the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA as an active emergency shelter for those displaced in western N.C. from Hurricane Helene. These residents have been airlifted from WNC with very few belongings. I am proud to say that we were a pet-friendly shelter so people could take in their beloved pets when they will sheltered at our YMCA branch.

As soon as it was posted to social media, the outpour was humbling. My dear friend Rebekah Julian, owner and veterinarian of Lazy 5 Vets, immediately contacted us that she would donate her services for the pets coming to the shelter. Tim Steinman from Animal Care Center of Salisbury has also donated his services. Pastor Brad from His Table Church, who worships at our YMCA on Sunday mornings, did a live video. I am so proud of our community. The outpour was truly overwhelming.

As Pastor Brad said in the live video, “my hope in humanity is increasing by what I have witnessed today.” We received so many donations and thousands of dollars in gift cards. Pastor Brad asked for Walmart gift cards as they can buy anything they need there, and I believe all of them were bought by the gracious people of Rowan County because last week, no Walmart gift card was to be found. Huge loads of donations have been send to western North Carolina as the need is still tremendous. We are still taking donations at all six of our Rowan Cabarrus YMCA branches (J.F. Hurley, Fred Corriher, Saleeby/Fisher, Kannapolis, West Cabarrus and Harrisburg.)

The shelter at the J.F. Hurley YMCA was set up for immediate, short-term relief. The shelter has now moved to Hudson where they have a bigger space and where the relief is long term and closer to their actual homes so they can start the rebuilding process. What I am most proud of — we stepped up when needed, we didn’t care what religion, political views, thoughts or ideas people have. We stepped up and helped each other. You would think it’s a no brainer, right?

I believe in God, and I love people of all races, whatever religion or political views. With this overwhelming support of our community, not once was there a question asked if the donations were going to a particular faith, religion or people, and it never should. Humanity is demonstrated through love, generosity, empathy, respect and caring. And Salisbury and Rowan County, you did it! I am so proud how we as a whole can truly move mountains with love, respect and caring for all. Western North Carolina still needs us, especially in the coming months, we must continue our assistance to those in need. And we also must remember, it could have easily been us.

Ester H. Marsh is associate executive director and director of healthy living at the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA and proud resident of Rowan County.