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FOREST CITY—The Carolina Foothills Foundation, located at 376 Hudlow Road, Forest City, recently granted $25,000 to six fire departments in Polk County to assist in their Hurricane Helene rescue and relief efforts.  

“Although this is not during our typical grant cycle, the Carolina Foothills Foundation chose to provide funding directly to these first responders because they truly found themselves in unimaginable situations during the recent hurricane,” Linda Edgerton, CFF Board Co-chair, stated. 

Carolina Foothills Foundation CEO Rita Burch said that the departments needed more equipment.

“The spirit of camaraderie among the fire departments made us all learn from them about how to work together, but it was obvious during the storm they needed additional equipment to be able to do that,” she said.

Each of the six fire departments were asked to apply for funding to replace, repair, or purchase items used in hurricane efforts and needed for future rescue. For example, fire departments requested assistance with purchasing swift water rescue equipment, Utility Terrain Vehicles to access difficult to get to areas, new turnout gear, VHF and VIPER radios, power stretchers, repair of trucks damaged in the storm, and a swift water boat.

The Altitude Project located in Charlotte heard about the Carolina Foothills Foundation fire department assistance from former Rutherford County native Randy Peterson, and they decided to provide additional materials. Randy organized a truck delivery to the Foundation, including donated chainsaws, extra chains, personal protective equipment, and other items. 

“I simply wanted a way to partner with my hometown and found a great partner in the Carolina Foothills Foundation in their response to the disaster and supporting fire departments,” Peterson said. 

Edgerton arranged for volunteers to bring a forklift and for the fire departments to unload all of the equipment. The fire department leaders were then invited to pick up the chainsaws and other equipment at the Foundation.

The Carolina Foothills Foundation is a community-based, 501c(3) charitable organization providing funds and other support for the many health challenges facing Polk and Rutherford counties. The Foundation provides direct support and empowers carefully selected organizations that impact individual and community wellness in the areas of eldercare, youth development, and wellness. 

 

Submitted by Heidi Owen