Positive Alternative Radio’s WCQR Serves Its Storm-Ravaged Community
October 7, 2024
Johnson City, TN—The team at WCQR has poured itself into hands-on efforts to serve listeners impacted by Hurricane Helene, even while struggling to stay on the air and coping with storm-related losses at home.
Led by General Manager Adam McCain, WCQR’s staff is making a difference for listeners who faced flood-damaged roadways, power loss, and often, destruction of their homes.
“We are filled with encouragement at the outpouring of love in this community,” McCain said.
He shared that in addition to marshaling volunteers and sharing timely updates on where to find resources, his team helped unload supplies at Unicoi High School and Erwin Church of God. The latter effort was made possible by PAR ministry partner, God’s Pit Crew, based in Danville, Va.
Known for promoting the Drive Thru Difference and inspiring acts of kindness, WCQR shared story after story about a neighbor helping a neighbor in the storm’s aftermath. Listeners have praised the station through calls, texts, emails, and social media posts.
“Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ,” Peggy L. commented on the station’s Facebook page, where Pat L. also posted: “You guys are awesome! Thank you so much for all your hard work and love for the community.”
While the effort is ongoing, here are some of the other ways the WCQR team reached out in the past week:
• I hiked into the mountain town of Erwin, which was cut off by storm-damaged roads, delivering supplies.
• Volunteered at First Baptist Church in Roan Mountain
• Helped collect donated supplies and take them to local drop-offs.
• Served at Happy Valley High School, another relief center.
PAR VP of Engineering and IT David Hodges says the station has been fighting to stay on the air after losing power on Friday, September 27th. Since then, WCQR has been broadcasting with power from generators.
“We have experienced multiple issues with our main generator and other temporary generators,” Hodges said. “The power company says it will be two more weeks before electricity is restored to our transmitter site.”
For more on how WCQR is helping the Tri-Cities, see WCQR.ORG.
Photo Captions:
The WCQR team served on Friday at the Unicoi County High School. Listener Engagement Director Amanda Holifield works as part of an assembly line, unloading a truck full of desperately needed food and supplies for Hurricane Helene victims.
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About Positive Alternative Radio (PAR)
PAR is a non-profit ministry founded in 1985 by PAR President Edward Baker’s father, the late Dr. Vernon H. Baker, and his mother, Virginia. Today, PAR owns and operates stations and networks in key markets in Virginia, eastern Tennessee, West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, and South Carolina. They include WCQR, broadcasting from Johnson City, Tenn.; Walk FM, Ashland, Ky.; Spirit FM, Lynchburg, Va.; Joy FM, Winston-Salem, N.C.; and WPER-FM, Fredericksburg, Va. The stations provide Contemporary Christian and Gospel music and Christian content across various digital platforms, including apps and web streams.
