We want to extend a special thank you to West District Family & Consumer Science agents, FCS agents that held collection drives, Cherokee Clay Food Alliance members that generously provided funding, and to those on the FCS Institute planning committee. 

Hurricane Helene Relief: Kitchen Kit Drive

IMPACT REPORT

Hurricane Helene's devastating impact left numerous families without access to basic cooking and food preparation necessities. Recognizing the critical need for immediate support, Marlana Baker, of Cherokee County Extension, initiated a kitchen kit drive, leveraging the network of FCS Agents statewide. The goal was to provide practical tools and supplies to help families regain a sense of normalcy and self-sufficiency in their kitchens.

Statewide Collection

Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Agents across the state participated in collecting essential kitchen kit items, demonstrating a strong commitment to inter-agency collaboration and disaster relief.

Kit Contents

Each kitchen kit contained essential items such as: cooking utensils (spatula, spoon, whisk), measuring cups and spoons, cutting board, knife set, dish towels and cloths, pot holder, strainer, can opener, food thermometer, and food storage containers.

Assembly

FCS Agents from the West District gathered in Henderson County to assemble the kits at the WDEAFCS Meeting, ensuring efficient and timely preparation.

Funding

The Cherokee Clay Food Alliance, a non-profit organization, generously provided funding from community relief donations, enabling the purchase of necessary items to complete the kits.

Distribution

112 kitchen kits were distributed to families in six counties significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene including Madison, Yancey, Mitchell, Buncombe, McDowell, and Swain.

Summary

The Hurricane Helene Kitchen Kit Drive stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and the dedication of FCS Agents in serving those in need. The successful distribution of 112 kitchen kits provided tangible support to families recovering from the hurricane's impact, demonstrating the importance of proactive and compassionate disaster relief efforts. This initiative highlights the vital role of FCS agents in disaster relief.