Montgomery County Lady Spearheading Hurricane Relief to North Carolina

CONROE, TX -- Imagination was on display earlier this month in response to Hurricane Helene relief, as the daughter of a Conroe furniture store owner, leaped into action in trying to provide some comfort to the storm ravaged citizens of North Carolina. The late September storm devastated low-lying areas surrounded by mountains in the western part of the state. Sarah Bartholet Gwin, the daughter of Todd Bartholet, owner of Bartholet Home Furnishings, located on IH-45 south at River Plantation Drive, was troubled by the suffering of North Carolina residents and the extensive damage to property, not to mention the horrendous loss of life associated with the hurricane.

Gwin was on social media reviewing images and videos of the destruction of the state that makes 80% of the products that her store carries. North Carolina as a whole makes 60% of all furniture made in America. It was at her son’s football game on October 4th, when she thought about empty trucks going back to North Carolina post delivery of furniture at the Conroe store every week.

She then contacted Brett Rudisill, owner of Rudisill Logistics, Inc. whose company carries freight from Virginia to Texas, and who resides near Asheville, North Carolina, one of the most hard-hit areas from Hurricane Helene. Bartholet told Rudisill if she can raise the supplies from Montgomery County, can he assist in getting them to North Carolina. She wanted to avoid gathering supplies but not have transportation commitments, and just have stuff piled up in some warehouse.

“If you can get me the supplies, I will get it to the people who need it,” said an emotional Rudisill to Bartholet.

Gwin started to organize the Hurricane Helene Relief Drive at the store on October 5th. She published a flier that was distributed on social media, and it made its way in all directions. And with the full support of her father, her uncle Bret and grandmother Robin Bartholet, they and many other family members, friends, employees, and volunteers, have been working tirelessly for days organizing, boxing and wrapping pallets of supplies that can be shipped to North Carolina this week. In just ten days, the response from Montgomery County citizens and other areas has been overwhelming. Supporters have been asked to sign a Texas Flag that will be fastened to the first pallet out of the truck when the supplies arrive.

“I had no earthly idea of the magnitude of the people that would come and support people that were thousands of miles away,” said Bartholet. “In all this I’ve seen some of the best of the best people in Montgomery County citizens wanting to help fellow Americans.”

The experience has made Sarah very emotional at times. She has seen single moms on fixed income donate diapers and other toiletries. A young widow, the wife of a lineman, brought the clothes of her husband, with the hope that they would go to someone who could use them. One lady brought her precious rag doll that had survived Hurricane Katrina. Sarah reports so many heart-warming stories of people that appeared at the store with supplies and wanted to help.

Businesses too have responded. K&P Feed and Supply in Aldine donated 12,000 pounds of feed for the horses. The animals are being used to pack supplies into remote mountain areas where roads have washed out. One unidentified customer delivered six large new generators and assorted electrical cords. The Bartholet family can tell so many stories of our Montgomery County residents who understand the suffering brought on by our own hurricanes and simply want to assist those in need. The outpouring of love by God-loving Texans for other suffering Americans has been inspiring.

“When I left the store on Saturday (Oct. 12th), they had enough supplies in the warehouse and along the building to fill at least two 40’ containers,” said Larry Foerster, Chairman of the Montgomery County Historical Commission. “And it’s possible that there will be a need for additional tractor-trailers as further supplies are gathered.”

Monetary donations were also received, and Bartholet was able to make very good deals on gas powered chainsaws, which are very much needed by first responders in the area with many downed trees and power lines.

The first tractor-trailer was loaded Monday evening, and left Tuesday morning for North Carolina. A second load is scheduled to leave on Wednesday afternoon. Bartholet Home Furnishings offers old-world furniture, artwork, custom bedding & accessories from numerous North Carolina suppliers.