FAQs

Are your stores open?

The Mast Store Annex re-opened on Saturday, October 12, and the Mast Store in Downtown Asheville will re-open on Friday, October 18 with shortened hours (11 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday). We urge you to be careful when traveling in areas affected by the storm and to stick to main roads. Be respectful of residents and those assisting with the recovery.

Were your stores damaged in the storm?

Most locations had little or no damage from Helene. The Annex had some damage from high water and mud, but our staff had made prior preparations to minimize the loss of inventory. The Annex re-opened on Saturday, October 12.

When will the Asheville store open?

The store in Asheville is fine and didn’t experience any damage from the storm. Our plan is to re-open the Asheville Mast Store this Friday, October 18 with limited hours (11 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday). A decision about operating hours for next week will be made over the weekend. 

Can we send supplies to help?

Yes! Check in your local area for drop-off points. This is a fluid situation, and the needs are changing quickly now. Needed items include unscented laundry detergent, extension cords, generators, chainsaws (blades and sharpeners), gas cans (full and empty), plastic sheeting, CO2 detectors, Coleman propane tanks, camping stoves, cat litter, etc. For a frequently-updated list, visit this PAGE on the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce website. It is best if supplies can be delivered in bulk to central hubs for distribution by volunteers in the local area. That helps lessen the impact on our roads and helps volunteers know when and what to expect in shipments.  

Water is NOT currently needed at donation sites. 

Appalachian Voices has compiled a list of places that need help and supplies. Visit that list to see what the current needs are. 

How can we help?  

There are many ways you can help our storm-damaged communities. First and foremost, if you can make a monetary donation, that will help get the supplies that are most needed at the moment. Donations can be made to food banks, homeless shelters, and other aid groups. Appalachian Voices has put together a list of agencies to help.  Blue Ridge Public Radio also has a list of ways and organizations to help. That list can be found on their main page.

You can also purchase Mountain Strong items. The response to these our Mountain Strong shirts and stickers has been incredible. THANK YOU! Going forward, $10 from the sale of each t-shirt and hoodie and 50% of sticker sales will go directly to organizations helping people recover from Hurricane Helene.

The Mast Store is supporting the Hunger and Health Coalition in its High Country headquarters community and MANNA FoodBank, which serves the area in and around Asheville if you would like to support them, too. 

Also, if you have a favorite restaurant, attraction, or business, you might consider purchasing a gift card to help right now.  

Will your stores be collection points for relief supplies?

Yes! Our stores outside the affected areas are collecting items to help with relief and recovery. Our delivery trucks are resuming their routes and will pick up and deliver to distribution points. If you are wondering what supplies are most needed, this WEBSITE is updated frequently with a list of needs.

Where can I volunteer to help?

So many people are coming to the mountains to volunteer, and we are so very appreciative. It is hard to coordinate individual volunteers at the command centers, but there are organizations that are working with established local worksites in devastated areas. Go to North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, All Hands and Hearts, Americares, and Samaritan’s Purse to play an active part in the recovery. There is room for everyone to help, and these organizations will train you onsite.

Can I help your employees?

We are exploring a way to make this happen. While all our employees have been accounted for, there are some who have lost a lot. First, you can shop with the Mast Store online and at any of our open stores. There may be other ways in the future, so please check back with us a little later.

Can I come up to see the leaves?

The leaf season in the mountains is spectacular, but many of the places you would enjoy the color are closed, like the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and many attractions.

The Waynesville and Hendersonville areas received some flood damage but are open now. They are great locations for leaf peeping. There may be some roads that are closed, so please obey any signage and don’t drive around barricades.   

The Boone area is accessible for day trips only. Many of our hotels are providing lodging for volunteers and people working to restore power and other services. They are also “home” for displaced residents. There are MANY damaged roads in the High Country, so please if you see a cone or a barricade, don’t drive around it. The local regional visitor center in the High Country has put together a website with an "Emergency Leaf-Looking Route" that will keep travelers on safe roads and in areas that are open.

This WEBSITE from the State of North Carolina highlights the road conditions, closures, etc. Blowing Rock, Downtown Boone, and West Jefferson are open. It is updated frequently as roads are repaired and opened.  

Can I place an order online?

Our website is back online! We appreciate your patience while we were working to re-establish our infrastructure.