Hurricane Helene was one of the deadliest hurricanes in the United States since the emergence of modern weather forecasting, bringing devastation across seven states from Thursday, Sept. 26 to Friday, Sept. 27. Numerous rescue groups including federal and state government agencies, relief organizations, churches and private parties are actively working across these states to restore basic services like cellphone service, power and water as they also provide rescue and recovery, assess damages, remove debris and clear hazardous trees to restore safety and access and open some roads.
SkillsUSA has been in touch with our state directors in these affected states and wants to share word to the SkillsUSA nation that if you can help and are able to help, you are encouraged to find a way to contribute to recovery for these communities. “First and foremost, we want our SkillsUSA schools and members in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia who were affected by Hurricane Helene to know that we have you in our hearts and minds as you begin to regroup and recover from this devastating natural disaster,” said Executive Director Chelle Travis. “Your fellow members are here to support you if we can. We encourage local chapters who want to help those impacted to please contact and work with the many verified local, state and national organizations that are lending support to affected communities. We know recovery won’t be fast or easy.”
For those who wish to contribute specifically to SkillsUSA to support affected chapters at schools in these states, we are accepting donations to the SkillsUSA Hope Fund. Please note on your donation that it is for Hurricane Helene SkillsUSA chapter relief.
If your school was affected by Hurricane Helene and you have SkillsUSA-related needs such as lost chapter materials or supplies, we invite you to request support using the SkillsUSA Hope Fund application.
We hope our teachers and students in the affected areas are safe, that you will receive the resources you need to regroup, rebuild and move forward. Most of all, we want you to know you have a national network of care and support from your SkillsUSA community.
Whether you are helping others or need assistance, see this list of national agencies providing Hurricane Relief from Charity Navigator or google to find agencies and organizations that are serving your state.
For more information about SkillsUSA, contact:
The SkillsUSA Advocacy Site is a free service for SkillsUSA members to reach the news media or contact policymakers with your message.
