On a sunny Saturday, the American Red Cross collaborated with several partners to distribute supplies to hundreds of families in the Spruce Pine community. Alongside Manos de Esperanza (Hands of Hope), Samaritan’s Purse, Morganton First Church of God, Iglesia Nueva Vida (New Life Church) and other partners, the Red Cross brought bulk supplies of Latin American food, camp stoves, fire extinguishers, sleeping bags and other essentials.
Volunteer Sandra Aguirre with Manos de Esperanza had been organizing and distributing supplies in her hometown of Morganton, NC, and wanted to expand to surrounding areas. Promoting on social media in Spanish, Sandra helped get the word out to invite hundreds of families.
When asked what inspired Sandra to launch this effort, she pointed to a tiny baby being cuddled by a friend nearby and replied, “He’s my reason right there.” Sandra shared that she was isolated at home after Hurricane Helene for two days with her two-month old son, Jacob. As soon as she could safely leave her house, Sandra knew she needed to be part of the response effort.
In addition to supplies, the event featured a hot meal of tamales, rice, beans, and tortillas served by the Iglesia Nueva Vida. A distribution of supplies at the event provided by different organizations ranged from rain boots, jackets, diapers and clothing.
The Red Cross is proud to work with partners in ongoing response efforts in Western North Carolina.
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