Fayetteville Technical Community College is joining efforts to provide relief to communities in western North Carolina that were impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Next week, FTCC is providing a tractor-trailer truck for a special collection drive by the North Carolina Community College System during the system’s biennial conference in Raleigh. The donation drive will take place the first two days of the conference – on Oct. 13 and Oct. 14 – at the Raleigh Convention Center. Attendees are encouraged to bring much-needed supplies to support those affected by Helene.
The FTCC truck and a truck provided by Robeson Community College will be used to transport the donations to impacted areas in western North Carolina.
“Every contribution, no matter the size, reflects our commitment to supporting not only our students but also our broader communities in times of crisis,” said North Carolina Community College System President Jeff Cox. “By coming together as educators, workforce partners, and neighbors, we can offer hope and help rebuild lives across the state.”
Recommended items for donation include:
- Non-perishable food items (canned goods, dried foods)
- Bottled water and sports drinks
- Baby supplies (diapers, formula, baby wipes)
- Hygiene products (soap, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene products)
- Cleaning supplies (disinfectants, trash bags, gloves)
- Blankets, tarps, and flashlights
- Pet food and supplies
All donations will directly support individuals and families affected by the hurricane, helping them rebuild in the aftermath of this natural disaster.
A tent will be set up in front of the Convention Center near the Sir Walter Raleigh statue. Public drop-off will be available from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 a.m. -noon on Monday. Support staff will be outside available to assist with public drop-offs. Conference registrants can drop off items at the registration table or in the Exhibit Hall. FTCC academic leaders, including deans, will be attending the conference.
The conference will bring together faculty, staff, and administrators from across North Carolina’s 58 community colleges, offering a unique opportunity to support disaster recovery efforts during this gathering of higher education leaders.
Last week, the System launched the Hurricane Helene Community College Response and Recovery Fund to help provide critical assistance for recovery efforts, including restoring services and resources essential to students, faculty, and staff.
FTCC is also accepting donations from 8-5 on weekdays until further notice at the College’s Property Control & Services department at 284 Dever St. (in the big parking lot where FTCC’s CDL trucks practice maneuvering).
FTCC also plans to join efforts to provide targeted help to sister community colleges in western North Carolina that have been affected by Helene and to their students, faculty and staff. More information about that effort will be shared at a later date.
