Nearly three months after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, many local families are facing an uncertain holiday season.
To assist in meeting the significant needs the community still experiences, Earth Fare will host a free giveaway on Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those in need are invited to select from more than 300 items, including handmade quilts, stuffed animals, books, and more.
The drive is the result of the efforts of Columbia, SC resident Barbara Aker, an avid seamstress, who published a post on a blog she shares with friends asking for donations. The items poured in from 77 different locations around the world, including Great Britain. Barbara is the mother of Earth Fare’s director of marketing Laurie Aker.
“She saw a need and immediately jumped in to fill it,” said Laurie. “My mother embodies the spirit of community that Earth Fare has fostered since 1975, and we’re so proud to have her bring this donation drive together.”
The giveaway will be hosted in the store’s community room, located at 66 Westgate Pkwy in Asheville. Additionally, samples and demonstrations will take place throughout the store. Earth Fare kindly asks that donations are limited to one item per person, and that each recipient is present.
The community-led donation drive contains items from all over the world.