The devastating effects of Hurricane Helene are still being felt by thousands of people including those in North Carolina’s mountain areas. For one OCC employee, the chance to bring critical supplies to families impacted by the disaster turned into a “mission” with support from coworkers and area businesses.
The mission commenced on Dec. 29. Driving 1,800 miles and 29 hours round trip, OCC Automotive Services faculty Claude Townsend got a first-hand look at the devastation and tremendous need caused by the hurricane and subsequent floods in Lake Lure, North Carolina.
“Many of the people in this area haven’t had power or a place to live since the hurricane hit in September,” shared Townsend who decided to try to get some donations of things still needed and drive them down during the College’s Winter break. “I delivered them to a church in Lake Lure that was acting as a distribution center for the residents in that area.”
Townsend drove OCC’s Engineering Manufacturing and IT (EMIT) Chevy 2500HD truck and Skilled Trades trailer to help carry all the donations he received from area businesses to students and teachers in his granddaughter’s elementary school. The momentum was powerful and included monetary donations from coworkers and the National Coalition of Certificate Centers (NC3) to help purchase supplies.
“I got a lot of support from businesses and people in the Fenton area where I live as well as OCC employees who provided additional help,” he said.
Washed out roads and devastation
Once Townsend got into rural North Carolina he quickly realized how much damage the hurricane had done. Along the way he found most roads were closed, and saw buildings, homes and cars buried in mud and destroyed by the floods caused by the hurricane.
“The roads are all washed out from the flooding and at times I would drive down a road that would end at a river where the bridge was washed out, so I would have to turn around and try to find another way to reach my destination,” he said.
When he finally got to Lake Lure’s Temple of Jesus church, area residents were immediately picking up the donations Townsend had brought before he could even get them out of his truck and trailer.
One lady who was picking up supplies told him she had moved to North Carolina from Florida to get away from the constant hurricanes and continued to face devastation from a storm she never expected to see in the mountain area.
According to Townsend, so many residents in the area hardly have the basics they need to get through each day.
Pastor Joe McKinney from the Temple of Jesus church said the residents were very grateful for the donations Townsend brought to Lake Lure. He has also been surprised by the amount of people who have been donating supplies from outside North Carolina.
“These donations really help a lot. We are slowly recovering but we still have people in the area that need more help to get their lives back to normal,” said McKinney. “We have three families in the area that had their wells washed away. It will cost $20,000 each to dig new ones. Unfortunately, they have to rely on donations to help (with the costs).”
“I was really appreciative to get so many donations from people and businesses in Michigan so that we could provide much needed supplies,” Townsend added. “With all the recent wildfires in Los Angeles in the news now it seems we have really forgotten about these people in North Carolina who still are struggling to survive and rebuild their lives.”
The businesses and organizations that donated supplies and money included:
Monetary Donations (used to purchase toys, adult and children clothing)
Supplies
- Argentine Elementary School, Argentine (Children’s books)
- Lafontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM-Fenton (Adult and children’s clothes; also hosted community donation site)
- Mother Clucker’s Pallet Sales, Facebook Marketplace (Children’s slide and swing set)
- Premium Choice Contracting, White Lake (Children’s clothing and toys)
- Royalty Services Landscaping, Fenton (Toys)
- Sam’s Club, Auburn Hills (Pallet of water, discounts on toys and clothes purchased)
- Tractor Supply, Fenton (Warm clothes and accessories)
About OCC
Oakland Community College offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs with the resources students need to be successful and advance our community. As a top transfer institution, OCC offers one of the state’s most affordable tuition rates and flexibility in scheduling. The College is nationally recognized for its high-demand career training and expert faculty in their fields. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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