Irmo Residents Come Together After Hurricane Helene
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which recently swept through Irmo, South Carolina, the spirit of community has taken center stage. One local resident, Brandi Clarkson, stands out for her remarkable efforts to support her neighbors during this challenging time.
A Call to Action
When Hurricane Helene hit, it didn’t just disrupt daily life; it took away power from thousands of residents. Brandi and her family woke up around 4:30 in the morning, thanks to their dogs barking, just as the storm made its presence felt. Unfortunately, they soon discovered their own power had been knocked out as well. For the next 17 hours, Brandi’s family endured the darkness, but they didn’t hide away. Instead, they ventured to their front porch where they noticed a giant tree had fallen, blocking a road.
“We didn’t have power, it was dark,” Brandi recalled. “We actually sat out here while it came through to be sure no one hit that tree.”
Providing Hope and Shelter
Once the storm passed, Brandi felt a stirring need to help her neighborhood, which was still enveloped in darkness. Many people felt lost and upset without electricity, especially families with children and pets struggling to cope with the heat. “Not having power for almost a week can be devastating for some people,” she explained. “I just wanted to create a happy place where people could come and get away from it all.”
Her mission began simply. Brandi opened her home as a refuge, providing a place for neighbors to relax and charge their phones. However, her compassion didn’t stop there. Brandi and her family whipped up a whopping 50 pounds of spaghetti, which they served for three days, providing hot meals to those in need.
A Community Hub
Brandi’s welcoming nature turned her home into a hub of activity. In between enjoying delicious food, locals gathered on her porch to watch football games, chat, and even play some cornhole. As the need for support grew, so did the community’s generosity. A neighbor stopped by with cash donations, enabling Brandi to purchase hot dogs and other snacks to keep the goodwill flowing.
“Started hot dogs, and we’ve just continued it,” she said. “We’ll keep providing snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi until everyone has power back.”
Teaching Kindness to the Next Generation
Brandi’s efforts haven’t just benefited her neighbors—they’ve also set a shining example for her children. She hopes this experience instills in them the importance of kindness and community support. “That to me has always been what Irmo is all about,” she said, highlighting her desire for her children to recognize the value of helping others in times of difficulty.
Open Doors for Those in Need
Even as some power begins to return across Irmo, Brandi continues to open her doors to anyone who might still need some assistance. Whether it’s a warm hot dog, a phone charging station, or just a friendly chat, she wants to ensure her neighbors know they’re welcome. She also plans to donate any leftover food and contributions to families in need throughout the greater Irmo area.
Together as One
Amidst the chaos brought by Hurricane Helene, stories like Brandi Clarkson’s remind us of the strength of community. In times of trouble, the people of Irmo are banding together, providing hope, warmth, and kindness to each other. As the storm clouds dissipate, the bonds formed will surely illuminate the path to recovery.
