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Featured Photo: Wayne Community College leaders deliver donated winter weather clothing and items to Blue Ridge Community College’s resource distribution center on Feb. 7, 2025.
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On Friday morning, Feb. 7, leaders from Wayne Community College (WCC) drove more than five hours one way in two vehicles to deliver warm clothing and other essentials to Blue Ridge Community College students and employees. The effort was part of WCC’s “Warmth for the West” donation drive, which began in early January, as well as a broader initiative within the North Carolina Community College System to assist students and college employees most affected by Hurricane Helene.
The WCC delegation included Dr. Patricia A. “Patty” Pfeiffer, president; Dr. Brandon Jenkins, vice president for academic and student services; and Emily Byrd, executive director of the Foundation of WCC. They were welcomed and assisted by members of Blue Ridge’s Student Services, Facilities, and President’s Office teams.
“It means so much that your team traveled this great distance to care for our students and college,” said Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, Blue Ridge’s president. “Please share our warmest gratitude with your students, employees, supporters, partners, and churches who made this generous donation possible. Your help is truly appreciated.”
As winter continues, Blue Ridge’s resource distribution center remains a vital support system for students who have lost homes and belongings. Students can visit during scheduled hours to collect items for themselves and their families. The new donations from WCC will provide much-needed warmth and safety, helping students persist in their educational goals and ultimately build better futures as the region recovers.
Dr. Pfeiffer noted that her community’s experience with hurricane devastation motivated them to act quickly in support of Blue Ridge.
“We see a lot of hurricanes in the eastern part of the state, and people support our community when that happens,” she said. “So, it was absolutely imperative that we support our western community colleges, and we were honored to adopt Blue Ridge Community College.”
After unloading boxes of hats, gloves, blankets, hand warmers, and other winter clothing into Blue Ridge’s resource distribution center, WCC’s team toured the Henderson County Campus with Blue Ridge’s Student Services team.
“It means a lot when a community comes together to support a community,” Dr. Pfeiffer added.
In January, Blue Ridge’s Board of Trustees signed a Resolution of Gratitude honoring Wayne Community College and several other institutions that have contributed to recovery efforts.