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Featured Photo: Members of Blue Ridge and Cleveland Community Colleges stand together after Cleveland leaders delivered needed cleaning items to Flat Rock on Nov. 26, 2024.
By: Benjamin Rickert, Marketing & Communications Dept.
A large 18-wheeler loaded with much-needed supplies arrived at Blue Ridge Community College on Tuesday, Nov. 26. The truck, sent by Cleveland Community College in Shelby, marked the latest example of community colleges banding together to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.
The delivery was led by Cleveland President Dr. Jason Hurst and Director of Safety and Security Jeff Ledford, whose college coordinated the purchase of cleaning supplies after hosting a benefit concert. Along with the supplies, Dr. Hurst presented a $10,000 check to Blue Ridge’s president, Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, to support recovery efforts where the need is greatest.
“There were 14 counties in the federal disaster area, and unfortunately, both Blue Ridge and Cleveland Community Colleges were affected,” said Dr. Hurst. “But from what we saw and read, we were far better off than our friends further west. When we saw the devastation, we knew we had to help.”
Numerous Blue Ridge employees joined the effort to unload the boxes of supplies and sort them into the appropriate areas of the college’s resource distribution center.
The side of Cleveland’s delivery truck featured colorful images of programs offered at their college, including Truck Driver Training, Heavy Equipment Operator, and Electrical Lineworker. These programs align with offerings at other state community colleges, forming a workforce pipeline for critical infrastructure roles. Graduates of such programs have been instrumental at every stage of hurricane recovery.
“We have trained hundreds of electrical linemen over the past several years,” noted Dr. Hurst, “as well as fire, EMS, police, and healthcare workers.”
Similarly, Blue Ridge provides education in fields like engineering, public safety, healthcare, and various construction trades, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and masonry.
After receiving the $10,000 donation from Cleveland Community College, Dr. Leatherwood immediately shared the news with her team, mindful of the many students who have faced significant losses due to the storm.
“We are deeply grateful to our fellow educators and friends at Cleveland Community College for their generosity and support during this challenging time,” said Dr. Leatherwood. “Their kindness underscores the strength of the North Carolina Community College System and the importance of working together. As our students, families, and neighbors continue the hard work of cleaning, repairing, and rebuilding their homes and businesses, Cleveland’s timely assistance brings not just practical aid but also renewed hope and encouragement.”
Dr. Hurst echoed this sentiment, saying, “Blue Ridge is a great friend of our college, and we love and appreciate what you do. We wanted to come out and support you, because we’re all in this together.”