Community Spirit Shines Bright in Duck, NC
DUCK, N.C. — In a heartwarming turn of events, the tiny town of Duck has taken it upon itself to lend a hand to those affected by the recent catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. Residents and community leaders have rallied together to show their compassion and solidarity, just as others have done for them in the past during times of crisis.
A Call to Action
On Thursday, a group of enthusiastic volunteers gathered to load up a twenty-six-foot truck with supplies bound for Bakersville, a quaint little town located roughly an hour north of Asheville. With less than 500 residents, Bakersville has found itself in dire need following the storm’s devastating impact. “Seeing those pictures of Lake Lure in Asheville… it is absolutely heartbreaking,” expressed Kevin Lingard, a councilman in Duck and one of the dedicated volunteers. “I would have done this anyway, but because this is the community of Duck, this is the kind of thing that we do.”
Load Up and Go
The trucks were filled with essential items like food, water, clothing, and cleaning supplies — all things that will help ease the burden of those still grappling with the aftermath of the hurricane. Duck Police Chief Jeff Ackerman is taking his commitment a step further by personally delivering the much-needed supplies to Bakersville. “We are not exactly sure what we are in for, but that doesn’t matter,” Ackerman shared with a smile. “I was just talking to the gentleman who owns the truck, and I told him please be prepared for when we get there. We may very well be sleeping in the back of the truck. The one thing we don’t want to do is tax resources they need out there.”
On the Ground in Bakersville
In the spirit of community service, four Duck police officers have already been dispatched to Bakersville to assist with immediate needs, like patrolling the area and helping to clear debris caused by the storm. “The recovery efforts have just begun, and we want the folks in Bakersville to know that they are not alone,” said Ackerman. “Duck will continue to support them in any way we can.”
The Power of Community
Residents in Duck have shared a deep sense of gratitude, recognizing how crucial support from neighboring towns and cities has been during their own times of need. This circle of kindness is what makes the Outer Banks unique. The sentiment is clear: when one community faces hardship, it’s up to others to step up and help, just as they have in the past.
Continuing the Support
As the truck rolls towards Bakersville, the community is filled with hope. It’s a poignant reminder that amidst the chaos and uncertainty, it’s our collective spirit and willingness to help one another that can lead to healing and recovery. The folks in Duck are proving once again that no matter how far apart we may be, we will always find a way to support one another when the going gets tough.
In a world that sometimes feels divided, stories like this give us a glimpse into the goodness that exists when people come together for a common cause. Duck’s journey to Bakersville is not just about delivering supplies; it’s about sending a message of love and support to those who need it most. We are all in this together.

Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.


