CV NEWS FEED // Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville, NC, has become a distribution center, partnering with Catholic Charities and local Catholic churches and schools in the Diocese of Charlotte to provide essential supplies to families affected by Tropical Storm Helene.
According to a Facebook post from the school, Thursday, October 3, marks “day five” of their service as a disaster relief center.
While classes have been suspended due to the storm, students are contributing to relief efforts by helping distribute food, water, and other necessities in a “drive-through pick up area,” according to a October 2 Facebook post from Immaculata Catholic School.
Another post from the school shows students praying the Rosary in the school chapel during their down time while volunteering to distribute supplies.
In wake of the deadly storm and the community’s overwhelming need, Immaculata also announced they will be postponing their upcoming Oktoberfest celebration in order to keep their donation-funded relief program operating.
“Even in the face of mass tragedy, we see hope and God’s grace each day,” said Immaculata Principal Margaret Beale, who is serving as the distribution coordinator. “Each day when we’ve run out of water, somebody comes by with a truck to resupply.”
Fifth-grader Eli Angel is among the volunteers, filling bags with snacks for distribution.
“People need this stuff,” Angel stated, according to the post.
“I just want to help others,” he continued. “It’s the right thing to do.”
More than 1,500 families have been served so far, and the distribution efforts will continue as long as necessary, according to Fr. David O’Connor, parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.
Parishioners throughout the diocese are invited to participate in a second collection during Mass the weekend of Oct. 5-6 to support storm victims, with funds going toward both immediate essentials and long-term recovery efforts, according to the post.
According to a report from Catholic News Herald, as of October 3, Catholic Charities raised over a relief fund of over $650,000 from almost 2,500 donors across the country through an online donation platform.
Executive director and CEO of Catholic Charities Dr. Gerry Carter stated that “It’s important to remember that when you’ve lost everything, it can frequently take months, if not years, to be restored.”
He highlighted Catholic Charities commitment to seeing their mission through.
“In addition to immediate financial assistance and the distribution of food, diapers and other essentials,” he said, “we’ll also be there offering case management services to help rebuild and restore lives.”
According to the Catholic Charities USA website, the organization is mobilizing significant resources to address the needs arising across several states. The page also includes a link for financial donations.
As of October 1, several tractor-trailer loads of water were sent to Catholic Charities of East Tennessee and the Diocese of Charlotte, while a truckload of cleaning kits, diapers, children’s activity kits, oral rehydration products, and blankets was being sent to the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
To facilitate regional distribution, hubs have been established in Acadiana (LA), Biloxi (MS), Ocala (FL), and Raleigh and Wilmington (NC), with tarps, cleaning kits, and hygiene kits sent to the Ocala warehouse. Ten tractor-trailer loads of hygiene kits, quilts, and baby kits will also be distributed to these regional hubs. Additional shipments include solar lights and blankets en route to Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida and South Carolina.
Additionally, several Catholic Charities agencies outside the affected areas, including those in Houston, Raleigh, and Sacramento, are providing support through technical assistance and case management.
Members of the Catholic Charities USA Disaster Response Team will arrive in Tampa and Charlotte in the coming days to aid local agencies in their relief and recovery efforts.
Those interested in making a donation to support Catholic Charities relief efforts in North Carolina can do so here.