Kitchen Kit Drive Brings Relief to Families Affected by Hurricane Helene

When Hurricane Helene struck, it left many families in North Carolina struggling to meet their basic needs—especially in the kitchen. Without the tools to cook or safely prepare food, daily life became even more difficult for those already facing disaster recovery.

Recognizing this urgent need, Marlana Baker, a Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Agent in Cherokee County, launched a kitchen kit drive to help. Working through the statewide network of FCS Agents, she inspired a team effort that reached across North Carolina.

The goal was simple but powerful: provide families with essential kitchen tools to help them regain a sense of normalcy and self-sufficiency. Each kitchen kit included items such as cooking utensils, measuring cups and spoons, a cutting board, knife set, dish towels, pot holder, strainer, can opener, food thermometer, and food storage containers.

Agents from across the state stepped up to support the cause. The West District FCS Agents gathered in Henderson County for the WDEAFCS Meeting to assemble the kits, ensuring they were packed and ready for distribution efficiently and on time.

The Cherokee Clay Food Alliance, a local nonprofit organization, provided funding for the project using community relief donations. Their support helped purchase key supplies to complete the kitchen kits. In total, 112 kitchen kits were distributed to families in Madison, Yancey, Mitchell, Buncombe, McDowell, and Swain counties—areas that were significantly affected by the hurricane.

This initiative would not have been possible without the dedication of FCS Agents and NC State Extension administrators who hosted collection efforts. Special thanks go to: Sara Roscoe (Alamance), Der Holcomb (Alexander), Elizabeth Baker (Bertie), Cathy Hohenstein (Buncombe/McDowell), Tara Gregory (Chatham), Marlana Baker (Cherokee), Kim Terrell (Clay), Rachel Ezzell (Duplin), Andrea Sherrill (Iredell), Jessica Mollet (Madison), Elizabeth Coggins (Northampton), Cynthia Rivenbark (Pender), Taneisha Armstrong (Pitt), Toi Degree (Rowan), Sheri Ledford (Rutherford), Shannon Royce (Swain/Jackson), Stephanie Stevenson (Carteret/Craven), Judith Hernandez (Union), EB Odom (Halifax), Megan Halbohm (NC State), and Shewana McSwain (NC State).

The Hurricane Helene Kitchen Kit Drive is a powerful example of community collaboration, compassion, and quick action. It highlights the critical role FCS Agents play not only in education and outreach but also in disaster response. By meeting families where they are and responding to immediate needs, these agents helped bring hope and healing to communities on the path to recovery.