Community Support for Families Impacted by Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene left a profound impact on families and communities throughout Western North Carolina. The storm displaced countless families, disrupting lives and leaving children and parents with an overwhelming need for comfort, support, and stability. In response to this devastating event, Hive Mind Therapy, based in the heart of Western North Carolina, recognized the urgent need to step up and help restore a sense of community and healing.
Our Mission of Support: Therapeutic Comfort Boxes for Displaced Children
In the days following the hurricane, Hive Mind Therapy’s owner, Sherree Turcott, felt compelled to take action. Drawing on her personal experience and dedication to mental health, Sherree envisioned “therapeutic comfort boxes” for children displaced by the storm—boxes that would bring a sense of security and tools for emotional resilience to kids facing uncertain circumstances.
Sherree reached out to her network of local mothers, many of whom are small business owners and nonprofit leaders, who were eager to help make this vision a reality. Through community support, Sherree raised $3,000 and received generous donations, allowing her to build comfort boxes tailored to the needs of young children coping with trauma. Each box contains:
A book to read
for distraction and relaxation
Coloring books and tools
for creative expression
A handwritten caregiver note
offering guidance and encouragement
A message drawn by a child
to inspire hope and connection
A soft stuffed animal or blanket
for comfort and reassurance
Sensory items
like Play-Doh, slime, and fidget toys for stress relief
Emotional regulation activities
to help children process their feelings
Puzzles and games
to encourage engagement and focus
A parent guide
- with evidence-based advice on discussing the hurricane and using the items for therapeutic support
Thanks to the community’s generosity, Sherree and her team assembled and distributed 400 comfort boxes, providing direct support to families in need.
A Community Event for Healing and Hope
SAVE THE DATE! To further expand these efforts, Sherree partnered with the National Emergency Child Care Network (NECCN), a North Carolina grassroots organization. Together, they are hosting a large-scale community event on December 14th at a local Asheville school. This event will feature:
- Free comfort boxes from Hive Mind Therapy and NECCN for local families
- 1,000 comfort bags donated by McGraw Hill Publishing, filled with additional resources and goodies
- Free arts and crafts, games, activities, and giveaways for children and families to enjoy
- Complimentary food for all attending families
- Local artisans and vendors showcasing their wares, providing a holiday shopping opportunity that supports small businesses in our community
Save the Date! December 14th
Join us as we come together to rebuild and restore hope. This community event is an opportunity to connect, support one another, and enjoy a day filled with positivity, warmth, and healing. More details will be shared soon, so please mark your calendars!
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make this event a success! This is a wonderful opportunity to bring joy to families and strengthen our community during the holiday season.
We need help with:
- Setting up tables for games, activities, crafts, and giveaways for families.
- Creating a fun, welcoming space for children and parents alike.
- Supporting local small businesses and artisans as they showcase their holiday gifts and handmade goods.
Whether you’re interested in volunteering or setting up a table for your business, your support makes a huge difference! Sign up today to help us create a memorable, meaningful day for our community.
If you would like to register as a vendor, please fill out this form or contact info@hivemindtherapy.org with questions.
How You Can Help
We’re still accepting donations to continue building comfort boxes and supporting families affected by Hurricane Helene. You can make a difference by purchasing items from our Amazon Wish List or making a financial contribution through Venmo (@Sherree-Turcott) or PayPal (@Sherreeturcott).