An irrigation sprinkler system about 300 feet long lay overturned in a field, its steel pipes bent and welded joints broken. The mangled remains of a grain bin sat crumpled by a road. On a Friday in early December, Hopkins dragged burly limbs from the path of the tractor-like machine that picks his cotton crop six rows at a time.

Cape Cod Times photographer Steve Heaslip made a return trip to a North Carolina town devastated by Hurricane Helene in September.

Carolina East Medical Center and their foundation reached out to western North Carolina to do more than spread holiday cheer. The foundation raised around $10,000 in gift cards. They donated them to local healthcare workers and those in need who were devastated by hurricane Helene.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announces $15.5 million raised for long-term Hurricane Helene recovery, with additional funds from the NC Community Foundation aimed at supporting local nonprofits in western North Carolina.

Typically, the winter months draw millions of visitors to the Blue Ridge Mountains, inviting hiking trails and live music venues. But all that is over for now.