Interiors students lead donation drive for hurricane-impacted NC communities

On October 19, 2024, second-year Interiors students Kat Pence and Noah Nolan headed to Swannanoa, North Carolina in a vehicle loaded to the brim with relief supplies for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

The delivery was the culmination of a week-long donation drive in the Gray Design Building, organized by Pence and Nolan. Donated supplies included food, water, blankets, coats, tents, folding chairs, tarps, hygiene products, medicine, heaters, games, cleaning products, air mattresses, and winter camping gear.

In a thank you message, the organizers wrote that "because of everyone who donated, we were able to help an entire neighborhood heal a little bit after experiencing such a devastating natural disaster. We have never met such a compassionate and courageous community as the one along the Swannanoa River on Black Mountain. Though they are surrounded by destruction, we overwhelmingly saw a selflessness and strength in the locals and the volunteers that was inspiring and hopeful. We were honored to be the ones to transport the donations and to witness the resilience of the Appalachian people."

Thanks to all of our college community members who donated, and to Kat and Noah for organizing the drive and hand-delivering the supplies!