Tennessee Coffee Shop Owners Launch 'Pay What You Can' Initiative to Aid Hurricane Helene Victims

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, residents were left grappling with the devastating impact of flooding. Among those directly affected, Corey and Melissa Ackerman, owners of Snowbird Mountain Coffee Co. in Newport, Tennessee, took it upon themselves to support their community during this challenging time. Their initiative to implement a “pay what you can” program aimed to alleviate the financial burden on those affected by the hurricane.

Community Resilience

Recognizing the urgency to give back, the Ackermans felt compelled to take action after witnessing the destruction caused by the floodwaters. Determined not to return to business as usual without addressing the needs of the community, they launched the “pay what you can” initiative. This innovative approach allowed individuals to access essential services while enabling the Ackermans to provide support to those in need.

Despite the challenges posed by the flooding, the Ackermans found solace in the outpouring of support from volunteers and the community. With their dedication and the collective efforts of many, they were able to clear the floodwater from their shop and acquire donated equipment, allowing them to resume operations and extend a helping hand to those affected.