Rock Hill, S.C. Emerges in Support of Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
Rock Hill, South Carolina, is witnessing a wave of compassion and community spirit as residents and members of the Winthrop University community band together to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene. The collective effort aims to support communities in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee that faced significant devastation from the storm.
Humanitarian Response From Athletic Teams
Winthrop University’s athletic teams have taken the lead in organizing donations. The women’s volleyball team used a recent match to encourage community members to contribute much-needed items. According to Coach Heather Gearhart, the team’s collected donations have already been loaded onto a truck and are en route to the devastated areas.
In addition to the volleyball team, the women’s soccer and lacrosse teams have joined in collecting supplies, showcasing a united front in helping those in need. Coach Kendall Fuller of the softball team, who has personal ties to the affected regions through her previous coaching role at Lees-McCrae College, has made multiple trips to support her friends and former colleagues in the area.
Individual Contributions and Collaborative Efforts
Efforts from the Winthrop community have extended beyond athletic teams. Jacob Ridgway, a stewardship and events coordinator with Winthrop Athletics, traveled to Hiwassee, Virginia, to assist with clean-up activities. He noted the community’s resilience, stating, “People there are rallying to support one another any way they can.” With significant debris accumulating at the Claytor Lake dam, Ridgway highlighted the ongoing need for support and the presence of organizations like FEMA and AmeriCorps providing assistance.
Ronda Collins, an executive support specialist, expressed her love for the North Carolina mountains by contributing supplies coordinated through the Halfway There Rescue group. “They have gathered people to cut trees off houses, clear roads, and provide medical assistance,” she shared, emphasizing the grassroots nature of the recovery effort.
Diverse Community Involvement
Winthrop alumni are also stepping up. Jackie McFadden, dean of the Ida Jane Dacus Library, donated hurricane supplies to Blue Goose Studios, a local art supply store owned by Winthrop alumni. The supplies were then delivered to areas in need.
Sara English, an associate professor of social work, recounted her involvement: “I live in a rural area and worked with local churches to facilitate food distribution and other necessary services.” She mentioned collaborating with a car enthusiast group to collect a truckload of supplies designated for the Blue Ridge Highway area, demonstrating the widespread community effort.
Ongoing Support from the Human Resources Department
In another initiative, the Human Resources department at Winthrop has established a collection basket for items such as blankets, food, and hygiene products designated for western North Carolina. Leslie Bickford, an English professor, noted additional contributions made through local churches and organizations like Orange Theory Fitness and Rock Hill High School’s football team, who distributed bottled water to residents dealing with water quality issues post-storm.
Commitment to Community
Winthrop University’s core values are reflected in these collective efforts, which embody a strong commitment to helping communities impacted by natural disasters. Faculty and staff have risen to the occasion, providing support in various forms, including blood donations.
As families in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee continue to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the actions of the Rock Hill community highlight the strength found in unity and resilience.
