The following letter comes from Jimmy Gentry, State Master/President of the North Carolina Grange.
Grange Friends,
Edneyville Grange and the surrounding Hendersonville community was in the path of Hurricane Helene. The aftermath is devastating as many families have lost everything. Clean-up crews have been working tirelessly to restore power, internet, and roads.
Grange members have been reaching out to the NC State Grange Office asking how they can help. We have been in touch with Wendy Henderson, President of Edneyville Grange. She informed us that she has reached out to a local school in Edneyville that is extremely concerned with the well-being of children and parents. They gave her a list of items that would benefit these families.
Jennie Gentry also spoke with high school teachers in Henderson County, friends associated with FFA and 4-H. Their main concern has been making sure students are accounted for and determining their families’ needs. This has been very difficult without the ability to communicate or travel into areas to check on their students, some of whom live in other local hard-hit communities like Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Bat Cave, and Gerton.
Wendy mentioned a great need for several items that schools will need for students and their families. Below is information on how you and your Grange can help.
What to Collect:
- New Coats of all sizes
- New Sweatshirts of all sizes
- Gift cards to Walmart
Drop Off Locations:
NC State Grange Office in Statesville: by Monday, October 14
Address: 1734 Wilkesboro Hwy, Statesville, NC
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Friday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
To arrange Saturday or Sunday drop off, or outside of these hours during the week, contact our office: 704-878-0000 or jwgentry@ncgrange.com
Making Cash Donations:
Write a check to Edneyville Grange and mail to:
Wendy Henderson
29 Arabian Ln
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Write a check to the NC State Grange Disaster Fund with “Edneyville Relief” on the memo line and send to:
NC Grange
1734 Wilkesboro Hwy
Statesville NC 28625
Thank you for your willingness to donate these items to support Edneyville and its surrounding communities in Henderson County. We are relieved that our Edneyville Grange members are safe and appreciate Wendy for the information so that we can join together to assist their community in this desperate time of need.
Please contact the Grange Office with any questions.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Gentry
President, North Carolina Grange