Appalachian State students bring joy to Boone after devastating floods

BOONE, N.C. — Sara Iskrzycki endured six “miserable” days after her home flooded during Helene. But the App State student decided it was time to bring some joy back to Boone.

“Once I saw other people smile, that got me going,” Iskrzycki said.

Iskrzycki, her brother Michael, and her friend Joe have been directing people toward hot meals on the side of the road in downtown Boone, usually with dances and smiles on their faces. On a cloudy Tuesday afternoon, the trio did so with laughter and joy, often receiving honks from cars passing by.

“I didn’t expect how many people were going to give us hearts and shout back because morale is really low right now,” Iskrzycki said.

Like thousands across Western North Carolina, Iskrzycki’s life has been upended by the storm. Still, she’s making time to volunteer and help give others hope

“It does lift your spirits,” Pastor Roy Dobyns from Boone’s First Baptist Church said. He added that hundreds of Appalachian State Students have poured off campus, offering to give back in the hurricane’s aftermath. Dobyn’s church is among several spots where anyone can receive a meal for free.

“We’re going to be okay,” Iskrzycki said. “I think so,” she added.