Listen to the full interview with Kendayl Cline, Destiny Whitener, and K-LOVE's Tala Shatara:
STATESBORO, NC — Two moms in the North Carolina area are hitting the front lines and finding ways to help provide aid and resources to those affected, especially children.
After the devastating aftermath brought on by Hurricane Helene the Southeast region is still rebuilding and finding their new normal.
According to the National Parks Conservation Association, Hurricane Helene has been the largest natural disaster to impact the Appalachian Trail in its 100-year history. Because of this many were not well equipped to brace the damage.
That is when Kendayl Cline and Destiny Whitener decided to take matters into their own hands. During a visiting Pastor’s message at their church, they were inspired by the story of Elijah and how God used him where he was, even though it wasn't where he thought that he should be.
“We really just felt like God was leading us to include our kids in this mission,” Kendayl said.
For Kids By Kids provides care packages full of toys and crafts for Appalachian children who lost their own in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. What makes the packages extra special is that they were assembled by kids who lost their own possessions in the storm.
The kids have organized bag drops and deliveries to schools, focusing on items that can bring joy and distraction to the children who have lost so much from the disaster.
The concept started after Destiny’s daughter Alyana felt called on to help other children in her community.
When asked about her own daughter’s initiative, Destiny found herself at a loss for words.
“Honestly, it's just very rewarding because part of the reason that we homeschool is to give them more of a Biblical foundation to carry with them through life,” she says.
Originally, Kendayl and Destiny asked other area parents to help donate gently used toys that might be ready for a new home.
“I really knew for certain that God had big plans for this organization when a mom came up and she said, ‘I just want to say thank you for giving us and my family this opportunity,’” Kendayl said.
People worldwide can now support For Kids By Kids by collecting items off group’s Amazon Wishlist.
“We've had someone ship some homeschool supplies to us from Manitoba, Canada. So that's been really cool to make all these connections and meet people,” Kendayl adds.
As the community continues rebuilding, the group's focus has shifted to preparing for the holiday season, aiming to provide Christmas gifts and joy to children who may not have much otherwise.
“These kids are used to having Christmas and they're used to waking up in their homes, whatever that may look like, and having presents or at least having all of their family together, and that is not the case this year,” Kendayl adds.
The inspiring initiative of children getting involved in this organization and the dedication of mothers to teach their kids the value of service and giving to those in need is why we at K-LOVE are proud to call them Hurricane Heroes.