Following the unprecedented devastation brought by Hurricane Helene in the southeast United States, the Associated Press reports that at least 1.1 million people are still without power in North Carolina and Georgia days after the storm.
Reports from Duke Energy indicate that western North Carolina residents may not see services restored for days or weeks.
While emergency responders and local officials work to help as many as possible, other helpers have stepped in to do what they can.
One such helper is Duane Swenk, the owner of Sparta Candle Company.
“The devastation is so immense that we have no clue of the depth yet,” Swenk said in a TikTok video about the hurricane. “What we do know is that hundreds of thousands of homes are still without power and likely will be for days or weeks to come.”
So, the Sparta-based business is giving away its inventory to those in need.
“We gave hundreds of candles away to people in our community without power,” he continued.
The 70-year-old business owner has become an unlikely hero on TikTok over the years, sharing his love of Taylor Swift, and his viral soap-cutting videos, delightfully called “Cuttin’ Up With Duane.”
Swenk’s nearly 900,000 TikTok followers wanted to help, too.
“Many of you reached out asking how to purchase additional candles for us to give away,” he said in the video. “It’s something we wanted to do on our own in service to our community, but we’ve realized the need is much higher than we anticipated.”
To continue serving the thousands without power in the region, shoppers can now purchase a $10 candle donation on the shop’s online store.
“Your donation will put a candle directly in the hands of a family without power,” the shop’s listing reads, “providing 65 hours of light and immeasurable comfort during these difficult times.”
Swenk said the company has already donated hundreds of candles, and with a demand so great, it seems like the numbers will only continue to grow.
He ended the TikTok by offering another buoy for members of the North Carolina community.
“If anyone watching is currently without power and you can make it to our store in Sparta, come on by. Charge your devices, grab something to eat at one of the many locations serving free hot meals, and we’ll make sure you leave with plenty of candles to get you through,” he said.
“Together, we can make it through anything.”
Header images courtesy of Sparta Candle Company