Community Colleges Unite to Help Western NC
On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, a 53’ tractor trailer arrived at Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) filled with hurricane recovery supplies from Hagerstown Community College (HCC) in Maryland. 
After traveling 413 miles, these supplies will be sorted and distributed. Items will be distributed to WPCC students, faculty and staff, in need for themselves or family members, as well as throughout Western NC.
WPCC has faculty and staff working in relief efforts throughout the region. Supplies will be distributed through these individuals as Western NC prepares for colder months.
Donations include grills, blankets, coats, cleaning supplies and more. Bowman Trucking is credited with providing transportation.
“I thought it was going to be a few boxes I was going to put in the back of the plane and fly down here,” Hagerstown Community College President Dr. Jim Klauber said. “I emailed one of the Bowman children and told her what we were up to, and I said, ‘Is there any chance we could get a truck?’ Within two hours a 53 ft trailer was delivered to the college.”
“It was our community [that made it so big] honestly,” Executive Director of Human Resources & Campus Safety Jennifer Childs said. “We put out messages from the campus to the community and they responded the next day. We had a tremendous response.”
Klauber also added that HCC board members stepped up noting that one individual went to a local charity that has a thrift store, and they emptied their shelves of things on the donation list.
In addition, a local hospital reached out and overnight they brought a van of items for donation.
“As we have faced enormous challenges across Western NC, I have been humbled by the outpouring of support not just in NC but from other parts of the country. Hagerstown Community College is located in Maryland, yet their employees and community wanted to do something to help Western NC,” WPCC President Dr. Joel Welch said. “Their thoughtfulness and donations will make a difference in our community and in our region. We are so proud to be part of a community college network that not only loves our students but cares deeply for each other.”