The Asheville Cotton Co. building is still standing there as if nothing has happened. But the people -- our staff, our families, your families -- will never be the same. We didn't have electricity nor internet as of yesterday afternoon, so we haven't opened yet. Please keep an eye here and on the front page of the website (if you even have enough service for that) for info on when we will open.

My grandson and I have been working for two full days at a supply distribution center. I'm so proud of him! His other grandparents live in the heart of Swannanoa. Thankfully their home was spared, but most of their neighbors' homes are decimated. They have also been working tirelessly at a church right there in the middle of the destruction to supply their neighbors with food, water and baby supplies. Chip delivered a truckload of garbage bags and diapers while checking on the shop and Alice Drue's home (which is completely unsalvageable.)

I really need to figure out what to do to help our store out. We've been closed for a week now, and that's never good. It's just been hard to concentrate on that while I'm giving out food and infant formula to my neighbors.

So... I'm going to take a look at our online orders this morning from here at home where I have internet and try to get into the store to fulfill them. It would be helpful if you purchase items online, just knowing it might be a hot minute before we can fulfill your order. I know USPS and FedEX, etc. are running, so I'm thankful for that! We also have an option to purchase Gift Certificates. Now that I have internet, I will make it a little easier to find that on the website. Please also remember to support your other local quilt shops and favorite businesses during this time, however you can. I know 5 Little Monkeys has been closed during this, I know Bernina Sewing Center in Greenville has had no power, and I have to assume Beginnings Quilt Shop in Hendersonville has been hit hard as well. I'm sure there are other shops who have been hit hard, so please keep them in mind.

As for my daughter Alice Drue and her boyfriend Chris; they lost their house and everything in it. They and their cats are safe and have a comfortable place to stay thank goodness! I've had a lot of people asking how they can help. Like many, many others, they don't need "stuff" at the moment because they don't have anywhere to put it. Seeing what I've seen at the distribution center, I would hang onto big stuff you want to donate until things settle a bit and people actually have homes to put stuff in.

Receiving help is **WAY** harder than all the other fundraising for other people I have ever done! I know you guys are the most generous people on the planet and want to help any way you can! Please only donate if you can comfortably do so.

- This is my personal Venmo account. https://venmo.com/u/Robin-Culbertson-6

- This is my personal PayPal account: robinsewz@yahoo.com

Money going to either of these will go toward eventually setting Alice Drue and Chris back up with personal and household items.

This is the store's PayPal account: ashevillecottonco@gmail.com This money will go toward employee paychecks and rent, as we've been closed a week already. Don't forget to check with your other favorite small businesses and restaurants to see if they need help!

Checks can be sent to: Asheville Cotton Co., 1378 Hendersonville Road Suite B, Asheville, NC 28803. Please make a memo as to where you'd like the money to go. I think Sydney would appreciate anything, as she and her husband have lost a lot of work. If you saw my earlier post about clothing sizes for Alice Drue and Chris, and already have things to mail, you can use the store address as well. The mail is running, and we'll eventually be there to receive. Note that checks may take a bit to get cashed.

If you'd rather act in a broad scale, there are plenty of places taking donations and money. I have seen Samaritan's Purse out and about, and Manna FoodBank is always a great resource, but there are other options of course. You can also get out there and volunteer at distribution sites and shelters. From what I can see, just show up and someone will put you to work doing whatever you're able to do. There are two ladies at our site in boot casts who are sitting, making smaller bags of pet food from the bulk containers we've received.

If you have extra fabric lying around and want to make pillowcases, that would be a special treat to show people without homes that you're thinking about them. Maybe put your name and a special message somewhere with them just to make it really personal. I have no idea exactly how to get those to people who have lost everything, but I can figure it out once I get my bearings!

I'm going to run now. My grandson is bugging me to get down to the distribution site. Did I tell you how proud I am of him?

Sending love, hugs and prayers to all of you!

-Robin