Amid the devastation left by Hurricane Helene, a heartwarming story has emerged from North Carolina. Taylor Schenker, a resident of Canton near Asheville, has used the power of social media to reunite families with cherished photographs swept away by the storm. Her selfless efforts are bringing joy and hope to those affected.
Hurricane Helene, which struck in October, caused widespread destruction, claiming over 220 lives across six states, including more than 40 in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Schenker’s own home weathered the storm, but her friend’s house was destroyed by flooding from the Swannanoa River. While helping her friend search through the debris, Schenker stumbled upon several photographs buried in the mud.
Reflecting on the photos that night, she couldn’t shake the thought of the memories they represented. Determined to protect and restore these fragments of family history, she returned the next day to recover more photos. Soon, she realized she had gathered about 200 photographs belonging to multiple families.
Inspired to make a difference, Schenker created an Instagram page, Photos from Helene, as a virtual lost-and-found. The page features everything from school portraits and Christmas cards to wedding photos and snapshots of beloved pets. Through the platform, she has already reunited about 15% of the photos with their owners, with new pictures being added daily.
Among those she’s helped is Vanessa Graham, who recognized a photo of herself with her late father. Another family rediscovered precious images of a son who had passed away, memories they thought were lost forever. Becky and Nancy Tate, a mother-daughter duo, also found their family photos on Schenker’s page. Nancy described the experience as surreal, calling Schenker’s efforts a testament to the kindness and resilience of the Asheville community.
Schenker has received help from others, including search and rescue teams, who contribute photos they’ve found. She meticulously cleans and organizes the images, mailing them to displaced families or delivering them personally to local residents.
Her efforts have brought joy, comfort, and connection to families grappling with loss. “It’s such a privilege to hand these memories back to people,” she said, reflecting on the emotional reunions. For Schenker, these small victories amid the ongoing recovery process are a reminder of the strength and compassion of her community.
Her Instagram page not only reunites families with lost memories but also serves as a symbol of hope and resilience. As she puts it, “While the photos from Helene may show destruction, they also celebrate the beauty of the lives lived in Asheville.”
Credits:
Story originally reported by Caitlin O’Kane, a journalist with CBS News and senior manager of content and production. O’Kane also produces The Uplift, a CBS News streaming show highlighting stories of hope and kindness.
