News Summary
The Ellison family from Wilmington, N.C. embarked on an inspiring 1,100-mile walk named ‘Miles for Manna’ to raise funds for hurricane relief. They successfully raised over $40,000 for Manna Food Bank, helping food-insecure communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Their journey, lasting 64 days, highlighted the ongoing challenges of recovery in disaster-impacted areas. The family’s determination not only supports immediate needs but also underscores the importance of community resilience and awareness in times of crisis.
Wilmington, N.C. – A local family has successfully completed a remarkable journey of over 1,100 miles to support hurricane relief efforts, raising more than $40,000 for Manna Food Bank. The Ellison family, consisting of Lucien Ellison and his two sons, Jack and Archie, began their walk on May 10, starting from Jockey’s Ridge in the Outer Banks and concluding their trek in Asheville in early July. The undertaking, named “Miles for Manna,” was aimed at not just fundraising but also experiencing the aftermath of the hurricane destruction firsthand.
The Manna Food Bank was selected as the recipient of the funds raised, as it serves 16 different counties, many of which the family traversed during their journey. The Ellison family’s mission was to bring awareness to the ongoing challenges faced by communities still impacted by disaster. The entire trek lasted 64 consecutive days, showcasing both their physical endurance and dedication to a worthy cause.
Throughout their journey, the family encountered various hardships that underscored the severity of the hurricane’s impact. Damaged buildings and downed trees were common sights along their route. The challenges included navigating obstacles posed by fallen trees, a testament to the disaster that had befallen many areas they passed through. The mental toughness required for such an extensive walk was significant, as they sometimes ventured an additional 25 miles after already completing 15 miles for the day.
Although their fundraising goal was initially set at $50,000, the Ellison family was grateful to have raised $40,000 to date, with hopes of increasing that amount. The funds will directly assist food-insecure regions that have been adversely affected by the disaster, addressing immediate needs for those still struggling to recover.
The trip taught important lessons about endurance and perseverance to both Jack and Archie. The physical and mental challenges they faced on the road equipped them with valuable skills and a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by others. An inspiring lesson from their father about taking incremental steps emphasized a practical approach to tackling overwhelming challenges. This philosophy helped them stay motivated through the strenuous journey.
Even after completing their trek, the desire to continue helping in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene remained strong in the boys. They expressed a commitment to return to the western part of North Carolina to support communities that are still dealing with the consequences of hurricane damage, particularly those that remain inaccessible due to ongoing recovery efforts.
The Ellison family’s incredible journey not only raised significant funds for Manna Food Bank but also highlighted the lasting impact of natural disasters on communities. Their determination to walk through the regions affected by Hurricane Helene serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and resilience in times of crisis. As they continue to raise awareness and funds, their story inspires others to contribute to relief efforts, ensuring that those in need are not forgotten.
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Additional Resources
- WECT: Father & Sons Walk in Western North Carolina
- USA Today: Wilmington, North Carolina and Hurricane Florence
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene (2006)
- Google Search: Manna Food Bank
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
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.
