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By Lena Pearson

For the Clemmons Courier

CLEMMONS — Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina and surrounding areas, communities all over the state have been contributing to relief efforts. Although traveling to the affected locations is dangerous and virtually impossible due to road damage, individuals are able to help from their own homes. Groups and organizations have been delivering important resources to those stuck in areas of destruction, donated by fellow North Carolinians wanting to pitch in. Just last week, West made it their mission to aid Asheville, Marshall, Boone and other affected communities by collecting donations to be delivered to those in need.

West’s Student Government Association (SGA), was a driving force in the amount of donations given to the Hurricane Donation Drive, as they encouraged students to donate anything they could to help. The SGA was accepting items ranging from bottled water and canned goods all the way to pet supplies and cleaning products. 

“There were over 4,000 items donated,” SGA member Avyleez Brito said. “Items from toiletries to dog food, to even 100 toothbrushes, it really turned out incredibly and I’m so thankful for the community we have here to support those affected by Helene.”

To many, this natural disaster hit very close to home, and it was of utmost importance to bring West’s community together in order to collect as many donations as possible. 

“The drive started as me and the other SGA sponsor’s idea because we are both Appalachian State alumni and she grew up in the mountains, so seeing our home away from home destroyed was heartbreaking for us,” SGA advisor Staci Smith said. “But since we are the SGA advisors, we thought this would be a great way for the students to step up as leaders around the school, which they have, and it’s been amazing. This has exceeded what we thought was going to happen. We have two classrooms worth of donations, and the library is filled as well.”

Southwest Elementary also partnered with West’s SGA, collecting hundreds of resources to be delivered to those in need.

“As far as where it’s all going, it’s going to Safe Harbor of N.C. in Hickory, and they are working with a small non-profit to distribute the donations further west,” Smith said.

Other clubs participated in the relief efforts as well, hosting drives of their own to later send to the areas affected. West’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) accepted any and all goods, including toiletries, batteries and flashlights for those without power.

“Collecting goods for western North Carolina was super important for FCA, not only to help others, but as a way to shine Jesus in serving others,” FCA member Campbell McClain said. “We were not affected by the hurricane, therefore giving us the freedom to help those who were. We collected a lot of things including toilet paper, canned food, water and more.”  

With the help of West’s student and teacher leaders, as well as the contributions from the rest of the campus, West was able to collect thousands of goods that will go directly towards relief efforts in the mountainous regions of North Carolina. At this time, anything helps, and it is important to step up to help your community in any way possible.