Saturday, Sept. 27 marks exactly one years since Hurricane Helene caused devastation across the Upstate and Western NC. Though the damage was great, the community was greater. When we asked you to reflect on the storm one year ago, almost every answer featured this theme of community.

"Our residents really rose to the occasion. Neighbors helping neighbors was the norm. Our city teams then did an outstanding job clearing the streets, restoring traffic signals, and then undertaking an unprecedented citywide debris clean-up operation. We were prepared on every level, and it made all the difference." — Mayor Knox White, City of Greenville

The debris site is near the Greenville Downtown Airport. | Video by GVLtoday

"People stepped forward in our community to help each other. A church that we weren’t affiliated with worked hours with us, helping my 91-year-old mother. I remember the giving and the caring and the kindness of people helping one another." — Deb B.

"The local businesses that gave away food: Swamp Rabbit Cafe, and shops that still had power, offering wifi and coffee. Daydrinkers was incredibly impactful. The takeaway from all that occurred is to continually be aware of who needs help instead of burying your face in your phone. Community is the most important." — Heather R.

Let's eat. | Photo by Kristina Scott-Hammock

"Moving here from Florida, I would have never expected to be hit by a hurricane again. Big thank you to the City of Greenville and all the people helping to clean up the mess. I did not expect it to be done so fast! BRAVO!" — Monika K.

"What moved me was the community working together to help each other out. Sharing and caring. Checking in on one another, helping in the smallest of ways made a big difference to so many." — Maureen B.