SHOPIERE, Wis. — Bill Perkins, the owner of the Shopiere Soda Shoppe, The Boar’s Nest and the Shopiere Tap, has taken on a new challenge: Sending aid to Asheville, North Carolina, and its surrounding areas, after Hurricane Helene tore through the community.

Perkins recently restored the 1940s-era Shopiere Soda Shoppe.

“If I think there is a way to make things happen, everybody that knows me knows I don’t take ‘no’ very kindly or no for an answer if I don’t want to.” Perkins said.

That can-do spirit inspired him to act for a community he had never visited but felt compelled to help.

What You Need To Know

  • Bill Perkins has coordinated the delivery of critical supplies to North Carolina, in the wake of Hurricane Helene, covering costs himself and gathering donations to support the effort

  • To get supplies directly to those who need them most, Perkins has partnered with Rierson Farms in Thomasville, where a local farmer volunteer is helping distribute the items to affected residents. Anyone interested in learning more about this effort can visit the farm’s website

  • Perkins said he is continuing to seek donations, including hay, lumber, propane tank heaters, holiday gifts for kids and leftover Halloween candy. He’s committed to finding a way to get every donation to those in need

  • Those wishing to contribute financially can donate directly to his Venmo at @banginbill. For more updates on Perkins’ relief efforts and how to support, visit Shopiere Tap’s Facebook page

Moved by images of destruction, Perkins said he couldn’t stand by and do nothing as residents in Thomasville and other affected areas struggled.

“You know, we can help from Wisconsin, from either end of the country,” he said. “We can help.”

True to his word, Perkins has coordinated the delivery of critical supplies to North Carolina, covering costs himself and gathering donations to support the effort.

To get supplies directly to those who need them most, Perkins has partnered with Rierson Farms in Thomasville, where a local farmer volunteer is helping distribute the items to affected residents. Anyone interested in learning more about this effort can visit the farm’s website. 

Major corporations, such as Sam’s Club and Sysco, have also joined his mission.

Sysco driver and U.S. Army Reservist Michael Fullton is bringing essential items to Perkins for his next trip.

Local community members, including Peggy Hamil of Janesville, have pitched in as well.

“I think this is terrific. I’m just blown away,” Hamil, who donated a bag of blankets, said. “One bag of blankets goes a long way when it comes to people helping.”

Perkins’ efforts have brought hope to those in North Carolina. With electricity still scarce and livestock in desperate need of food, his shipments of feed, blankets and other essentials have been a lifeline.

“A lot of horses and cattle with nothing to eat right now… Their pastures are now riverbeds,” he explained.

For Perkins, the relief work is personal.

“It’s America. And I flat-out bleed red, white and blue,” he said. “When it comes to helping our neighbors, yeah, we’ll do what we can.”

Perkins said he is continuing to seek donations, including hay, lumber, propane tank heaters, holiday gifts for kids and leftover Halloween candy. He’s committed to finding a way to get every donation to those in need.

Those wishing to contribute financially can donate directly to his Venmo at @banginbill. For more updates on Perkins’ relief efforts and how to support, visit Shopiere Tap’s Facebook page. 

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