A year ago, Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina, causing widespread destruction and devastation on a level you don’t want to see, much less experience. A year later, there is still a lot of work to do – this was a life-changing event for the small towns and rural areas of this region and the scars still are visible when you drive west through That Which Was. It was, and remains, awful.
I tried to help in my own way – you may recall that I painted the watercolor at the top of this post and sold prints for $10 each, pledging all the money raised would go to relief efforts. With the help of a good friend, I selected Williams Academy in the hard-hit town of Crossnore to receive the funds. After some conversation, it was decided that the money would go to fund the Academy’s first-ever book fair. (The basic needs of the students were being met, but the soul needs treasures, too.) People responded in droves – I think a number of folks have fond memories of Scholastic Book Fairs – and I shipped prints to 16 states. People were donating far more than the $10 I suggested and ultimately, $2,100 was raised for the book fair. When the lovely Mrs. Williams asked if she could buy the original painting, I demurred, saying I’d send it to her if she’d just promise to fund the book fair in the future.
Dear Divas – look what was sent to me!
So if you’re looking for a worthy charity to support over the holidays, drop Williams Academy a line and be someone’s Fairy Diva-mother. Or maybe help sponsor some kids at a book fair at a local school in your area.
Don’t worry if you can only do a little – it adds up. The ripples from one small action can have a far-reaching effect.
And we are mighty.
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