Harper Tate
389 Country
On October 28, 2024, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office received a significant shipment of cooking equipment—42 pallets filled with high-end, stainless-steel propane cooktops donated by BBQGuys, an outdoor cooking supplier based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Chief Todd Wingate, who personally reached out to BBQGuys, shared the pressing needs of Western North Carolina communities still struggling in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which devastated the area on September 27. Moved by the situation, BBQGuys responded with a nearly half-million-dollar donation, ensuring that affected families can have the means to cook hot meals as they work to recover.
The donation includes hundreds of one- and two-burner propane cooktops, which volunteers from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Catalyst Church are preparing for distribution to those hardest hit by the storm. Each cooking unit will be paired with a 20lb propane cylinder, thanks to a newly launched propane drive. Community members are invited to contribute by donating or refilling extra cylinders, or by purchasing new ones to drop off at two designated locations.
“I personally saw the breakdown invoice for these 42 pallets, which came to just under $500,000 in retail value,” Sheriff Mark Buchanan shared.
Propane Cylinder Drop-Off Locations:
Clay County Sheriff’s Office
295 Courthouse Dr.Hayesville, NC 28904Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Catalyst Church
1762 US-64Hayesville, NC 28904Hours: Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.
This combined effort between local volunteers and generous donors like BBQGuys has provided essential resources to help families regain a sense of normalcy. Anyone interested in joining the cause can make a meaningful impact by donating propane cylinders, ensuring these cooking units can be immediately put to use.
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