DOSWELL, Va. — Champion Saddlery is joining forces with Cross Branded Cowboy Church to assist families in Southwest Virginia still suffering from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The storm, which struck in September, devastated numerous farms and homes throughout the area.
The staff at Champion Saddlery is not only busy helping shoppers find last-minute Christmas gifts but also working to provide trailers to families who have lost their homes. Bruce Warner, representing both Cross Branded Cowboy Church and Champion Saddlery, shared the story of one family currently living in a tent behind their destroyed home.
“They’ve been living in a tent behind their destroyed house for like, three weeks,” Warner said. “It was on the news cycle for three weeks and then things move on. But down there, they’re still faced with this every day.”
Warner emphasized that the holidays serve as a reminder to appreciate what one has and to extend a helping hand to others in need.
“They’ve lost so much,” he stated. “They lose their house. They lose their belongings, their business, their jobs, cars. I mean, it’s a mess.”