FAQs

How can we help?  

We miss you, so one of the easiest ways you can help is to plan a visit or a vacation. Many businesses are struggling to keep their doors open, so dropping by and making a purchase will make their day. Recovery and restoration activities are happening everywhere - from repairing roads to clearing down trees - so, please be patient was we continue the work to rebuild. Also, you may experience a little longer wait than usual at your favorite restaurant or store. Some places aren't able to fully staff up quite yet, so remember to extend some grace in these situations. 

We've compiled a list of organizations that are welcoming volunteers from near and far to help with their missions to restore our mountain communities. Opportunities to help out include packing food boxes, cleaning stream corridors, and rebuilding individuals' homes, and time commitments range from a couple of hours to a week or more. Any and every contribution gets us closer to being back to normal and is very much appreciated.

We can't say it often enough - we are thankful for every donation - water, food, money, time, expertise - that has been given thus far to help with recovery. The outpouring of assistance has been heartwarming and needed, but this road to recovery will be a long one, so your help is appreciated. 

Mountain Strong

We started selling Mountain Strong tees and stickers shortly after the flood waters receded. People have loved the design, which is a symbol of hope and resilience. Twenty percent (20%) of each sale will go directly to organizations helping people recover from Hurricane Helene.

Our Mountain Strong funds have supported several organizations thus far (through August 2025) with contributions totaling $180,000 to MANNA FoodBank ($10,000 to continue their own organizational recovery and put food on our neighbors' tables), RiverLink ($10,000 - to take on  riverbank stabilization, restoration, and repairs to damaged parks),Valle Crucis School Parent Teacher Student Organization ($10,000 - to help teachers reassemble their teaching aids), Boone Area Chamber Foundation ($20,000 - helping small businesses in Ashe, Avery, and Watauga Counties recover), Downtown Spruce Pine  ($20,000 - a Main Street organization helping small businesses get back on their feet), MountainTrue ($25,000 – an organization that advocates for clean waters, resilient forests, and health communities), BeLoved Asheville ($20,000 – a community working to create Home, Health, Equity, and Opportunity for all in our mountain home), Asheville Chamber for Small Businesses ($20,000 – this group is helping small businesses who may not qualify for other funds get back on their feet), River Arts District Foundation ($20,000 – helping restore the creative heart of Asheville), and Boone Area Chamber Small Business Grants ($25,000 – helping businesses in Watauga County recover from loss of business and infrastructure). 

Mountain Strong apparel and stickers are still available for those wishing to purchase and show support for the mountain communities. Each purchase helps make a difference and impact the future of Western North Carolina.   

Are your stores open?

The Mast Store Annex re-opened on Saturday, October 12, and the Mast Store in Downtown Asheville re-opened on Friday, October 18. All locations are open with regular hours (follow this LINK to check hours). We urge you to be careful when traveling in areas affected by the storm and to stick to the main roads. You may encounter delays and detours, so plan your visit accordingly. 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. The Asheville Mast Store re-opened on Friday, October 18. 

Is the Blue Ridge Parkway open?

A drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway is the highlight of any visit, even in the wintertime. The Parkway sustained a lot of damage during Helene - from downed trees to complete washouts of the roadbed. Some areas have been re-opened, including most of the roadway in Virginia and small sections around Asheville. The roadway, services, and parks along the Parkway are typically closed during the winter. In years past, when winter closures were in place, the roadway was open to walking, cross country skiing, etc., but this year, when the road is closed, it is closed to all uses. Many areas have yet to be full evaluated for damage, so please respect closures for your safety and that of those working on repairs and evaluation. This WEBSITE has the most updated information for closures on the Parkway. It also links to an INTERACTIVE MAP of closures.

If you would like to support the clean-up efforts along America's Favorite Scenic Drive, make a donation to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, the official partner of the National Park Service.

Can I place an order online?

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