Volunteers in Hickory Come Together to Bring Halloween Joy to Kids Affected by Hurricane Helene
Hickory, N.C. — On a bright Sunday, dozens of enthusiastic volunteers joined hands in Hickory to spread some much-needed Halloween cheer to children impacted by the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. The group, known as Love is a Verb, took charge of assembling fun-filled Halloween treat bags that will soon find their way to eager kids through the nonprofit BeLoved Asheville.
Spreading Love and Kindness
As organizers worked diligently, Laci LeBlanc, one of the key figures behind the event, shared her vision: “Our first post about Helene was sometimes the love is waiting,” she remarked with a warm smile. It’s clear that she, along with many others, believes in the power of community support. “There are so many people and organizations who stepped in immediately, and one of the things we don’t love to do is duplicate efforts,” LeBlanc explained.
The assembled treat bags, filled with delightful surprises, will be distributed by BeLoved Asheville to families hard-hit by the storm. Each bag contains a mix of tasty candy, a colorful sticker sheet, and a choice of costumes, which include options like a cat, princess, pirate, or superhero. It’s not just about the candy—it’s about providing a sliver of joy amidst the challenges these families face.
Providing a Sense of Normalcy
Among the volunteers was Catie Kale, who not only helps with this initiative but also works as a counselor with Catawba County Schools. With a profound understanding of the mental health needs of children, she spoke passionately about why these treat bags are so vital. “Kids also need the space to still be kids,” Kale said. Her experience has taught her that, in times of crisis, simple joys like a Halloween costume can make a world of difference.
“In the midst of everything else, sometimes a Halloween costume might be last on the list of things that people would think they might need,” Kale continued. She emphasized the value of maintaining a sense of normalcy for kids, especially those who have experienced significant loss. “We think of this as being a once-in-a-lifetime event, but when you think about their short little lives, it is even more impactful than what we would think of in our lives.”
How to Help
Both LeBlanc and Kale encouraged community members to join them in supporting BeLoved Asheville. “In addition to monetary donations, the nonprofit has a list of current needs that includes supplies for camping, cleaning, and building,” LeBlanc mentioned, pointing out ways people can contribute. Getting involved is a great way to not only help the children receive their treat bags but also support the ongoing recovery efforts of families affected by the hurricane.
Conclusion
The spirit of giving was palpable as community members joined the effort to brighten up the lives of these kiddos, reminding everyone that even in the toughest times, love and kindness are just a helping hand away. With each treat bag they put together, volunteers are creating a little bit of magic and hope for kids who need it most this Halloween.
