Spreading Joy and Resilience: BeLoved Asheville's Halloween Treat Bags for Storm-Impacted Families

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a group of dedicated volunteers in Hickory, North Carolina, came together to bring a touch of joy and normalcy to the lives of children affected by the storm. Under the banner of "Love is a Verb," these individuals worked tirelessly to assemble Halloween treat bags that would be distributed by the nonprofit organization BeLoved Asheville to the families most impacted by the natural disaster.

Restoring Childhood Moments Amidst Adversity

Bringing Smiles to Storm-Affected Children

The Halloween treat bags assembled by the volunteers are more than just a collection of candy and costumes. They represent a concerted effort to provide a sense of comfort and familiarity to children who have endured the upheaval and disruption caused by Hurricane Helene. Each bag contains a variety of treats, a sticker sheet, and a choice of costume, including options such as a cat, princess, pirate, or superhero.As Catie Kale, a volunteer and counselor with Catawba County Schools, explains, these simple gestures can have a profound impact on the well-being of children who have experienced significant loss and disruption. "Kids also need the space to still be kids," she says. "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."

Restoring a Sense of Normalcy

Kale's insights underscore the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy for children during times of crisis. She has witnessed firsthand the emotional and psychological toll that natural disasters can have on young minds. "It's so important for kids, especially kids who have experienced great loss, to have the normal things that they're used to," she says. "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."The volunteers behind the "Love is a Verb" initiative recognize the profound impact that these small gestures can have on the lives of the children they aim to serve. By providing them with the opportunity to engage in familiar and joyful activities, such as dressing up for Halloween, they are helping to restore a sense of stability and comfort in the midst of the chaos.

Coordinating Efforts to Maximize Impact

The organizers of this initiative, led by Laci LeBlanc, have also demonstrated a keen understanding of the importance of coordinating with other organizations to avoid duplication of efforts. "Our first post about Helene was sometimes the love is waiting," LeBlanc said. "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."By partnering with BeLoved Asheville, the volunteers ensure that the treat bags reach the families who were most severely impacted by the storm. This collaborative approach not only maximizes the impact of their efforts but also fosters a sense of community and solidarity in the face of adversity.

Encouraging Direct Support for BeLoved Asheville

Beyond the distribution of the Halloween treat bags, the volunteers are also encouraging the public to support BeLoved Asheville directly. The nonprofit organization has a list of current needs that includes supplies for camping, cleaning, and building, in addition to monetary donations.By directing the community's attention and resources towards BeLoved Asheville, the volunteers are helping to ensure that the families affected by Hurricane Helene receive the comprehensive support they need to rebuild and recover. This holistic approach to disaster relief underscores the commitment of the "Love is a Verb" initiative to making a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.