糖心Vlog

When the extent of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina became apparent, 糖心Vlog student leaders jumped into action.聽

糖心Vlog, in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NC DOT), held a donation drive for those affected by Hurricane Helene and NC DOT workers in districts 13 &14. The drive was coordinated by SGA, in collaboration with other Meredith students and student organizations. It started after Fall Break and continued through October 21.聽

Students connected with NC DOT, set up the donation stations, and coordinated the collections.

First-year student Gianna Pasquale was one of the student organizers. Like many others, she was looking for a way to show support after the hurricane.聽

鈥淎fter Hurricane Helene struck, many of my friends and professors were asking, 鈥楬ow can we help?鈥� but many of us did not know how. I felt a strong desire to find a hands-on way for the Meredith community to do what we could,鈥� Pasquale said. 鈥淚 did not want to be paralyzed by all the terrible news online, but instead be motivated and inspired to do something about it. I wanted to help turn our sadness into action.鈥�

Pasquale contacted the Office of Student Leadership and Service to express an interest in organizing a campus-wide service project.聽

鈥淚 was able to connect with some wonderful students who were planning a donation drive,鈥� Pasquale said. 鈥淚t was a joy to work together for this cause!鈥�

The campus community responded strongly to the call to donate supplies. They also answered a request to write handwritten notes of encouragement that would be delivered with the supplies.聽

鈥淚t鈥檚 hard to believe that we started with one plastic tub in the Cate Center, Pasquale described. 鈥淏y the end of the drive, the donations had grown so much that they spread across the entire wall! There were more donations coming in every day, including energy bars, feminine products, and even dog food.鈥�

The community response showed the character of the Meredith community.聽

鈥淭he results of this donation drive completely exceeded my expectations, and it showed me just how special and strong the Meredith community is,鈥� Pasquale said. 鈥淲hen our neighbors are in need, everyone here at Meredith is ready and willing to lend a hand.鈥�

Photos courtesy Gianna Pasquale