The Church of Virginia mobilizes Helene relief efforts with the support of a viral singer

HOPEWELL, Va. – A church in Hopewell is working to help those in North Carolina affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene, among other things, and one of its parishioners is using his social media to spread the word.

Senior Pastor Michael Moore of Beacon Hill Church, which CBS 6 featured for its work feeding the homeless in Hopewell, said members of the church are actually on a mission in Jacksonville, Florida. Distributing food when the hurricane hit.

“It started to get windy. The wind was blowing up to 60 miles per hour, and we sent the buses ahead so they wouldn't tip over. And some of us stayed behind and fought through it,” Moore said. “In the end, with what we brought here, we were able to feed an entire evacuation shelter and provide them with their needs.”

Moore said the day after they returned, a member of the church asked if they would go back to help.

“I said, 'Well, let me think, give me a day.' And then Oliver Anthony called me on Tuesday and was really excited about helping out down there.”

If that name sounds familiar, it's because it's the same Oliver Anthony from central Virginia who went viral last year with his song “Rich Men North of Richmond” and is a member of Moore's church.

“Oliver has really grown in Christ over the last year and he wants to make sure Christ is glorified through it,” he told me on the phone,” Moore said.

After speaking with Moore, Anthony posted a Facebook Reel asking for donations, saying he wanted to ensure 100% of donations went to those affected.

“I just want to focus on feeding these people and giving them some protection,” Anthony said in the video. “Primarily if you have supplies, like groceries, paper towels, or all the toiletries. Any kind of clothing. Anything you think the flood victims could use right now.”

Moore said people from all over the country responded to Anthony's call.

“I literally get shipments from all 50 states. People are sending backpacks, diapers, formula,” Moore said. “I was touched by a lot of them, but someone saw the devastation in Puerto Rico and told me they were without power for six months… And so they called me and said, 'Everything I have, I want it. ' Give it to Western Carolina because I know what it's like to be hurt.' And that’s powerful.”

Moore said they will focus their initial efforts on helping the Beacon Village neighborhood in Swannanoa, North Carolina, where only 11 of 77 homes reportedly survived. They will work with the owner of a nearby music venue, Silverados, who Anthony knows.

While the duo plans to expand wherever they help, Anthony said he's starting there because he used to live in that area.

“If you drive down I-40, there's this little McDonald's… You better believe I've been in the back of that thing, sweating and flipping burgers for many night shifts. Like me – that’s why I start there,” Anthony said in his film. “East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, West Virginia, I understand that you are suffering, and I want this money and these supplies to affect you too. And as this thing gains momentum and moves forward, I just hope that North Carolina is where we're at.” “We're a little more centralized, but we're just pushing this thing out.”

Moore said in addition to collecting material goods, they have raised at least $50,000 that will be used to help residents with long-term recovery.

“It takes strong communication and a resulting sense of community to ensure that these places are preserved and do not become land grabbers,” Anthony said.

“Oliver is committed and we are committed to providing long-term service to Western Carolina,” Moore added.

Moore said church members would travel to Beacon Village Monday morning with several buses full of supplies and that Anthony would join them later that night. He added that although he hates the circumstances they find themselves in, he has enjoyed seeing how many people want to help.

“In times of crisis, we often see the community come together and hold together, and this country needs that now more than ever.”

Anyone who would like to donate to this campaign can either come in person to:

Beacon Hill Church/Beacon Theater
401 N. Main St., Hopewell, VA 23860
Return from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
804-839-7930

Silverados
2898 US-70, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Return from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m

Here you can also find further information about required materials and make monetary donations.