The executive director of the Greater Mount Airy Habitat for Humanity was rushed by AirCare to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center early Tuesday after collapsing inside the Habitat ReStore on West Pine Street.

According to Surry County Emergency Services Director John Shelton, Tim VanHoy, 42, was found in critical condition after he collapsed in the store. Paramedics arrived on the scene at about 11:30 a.m.

According to his family, VanHoy suffered a heart attack.

Sherry Russo, an employee with Habitat for Humanity, said she was present at the time VanHoy collapsed. She said VanHoy was in the office with other employees when he suddenly “gasped for breath” and collapsed to the floor.

She said someone began to do chest compressions on him until paramedics arrived.

“We did all we could without equipment until the paramedics got there,” she said.

The store did close for the remainder of the day, and Russo said staff planned to reopen it today for regular hours.

“We definitely need prayer, prayers are needed for Mr. Tim and his family,” she said. “We’re going to try and do as much as we can to carry on (at Habitat).”

As of Tuesday afternoon, officials with WFUBMC said VanHoy was admitted into the Cardiac Unit.

“He’s doing a lot better, but he’s not out of the woods yet. They’re trying to keep his body from having further damage,” said his brother, Barry VanHoy, Tuesday night from the hospital waiting room. “He’s on a ventilator, but doctors say he’s trying to breathe over it, which is a good thing. We still don’t know much.”

On VanHoy’s Facebook profile, there was an outpour of support from the community starting shortly after lunchtime. Within four hours, more than 30 messages had been placed on his page wishing his family well and offering prayer and support.

VanHoy’s brother said he’s aware of the community’s concern and is thankful for its support.

“I know there’s a lot of people out there praying for him,” Barry VanHoy said. “He’s done a lot of important things in the community.”

Contact Erin C. Perkins at eperkins@mtairynews.com or 719-1952.