Forsyth Tech Athletics Joins Hurricane Helene Cleanup Efforts

Forsyth Technical Community College's Athletics Department recently demonstrated their commitment to community service by volunteering with Samaritan's Purse to assist in the Hurricane Helene cleanup efforts in Asheville, North Carolina. The devastating hurricane caused widespread damage and flooding, leaving many residents in need of support and assistance.

The staff members from Forsyth Tech worked tirelessly alongside Samaritan's Purse volunteers to help affected homeowners with tasks such as debris removal, mud removal, and general cleanup. Their efforts played a crucial role in helping families begin the long road to recovery.

"Anytime we can get out into the community and help those in need we want too," said Director of Athletics, Shelly Barnes. "We are thankful to Dr. Spriggs and the Board of Trustees for allowing us time to help those in Western NC that need so much help and happy to partner with Samaritan's Purse in Asheville.  I'm thankful for our coaching staff that wanted to offer help and friends of the department that jumped in with us.  It was a great day!"

Shelly Barnes, Sarah Weavil, Kirsten Williford and other members of Samaritan's Purse shovel mud from a crawl space under a home.

Forsyth Tech faculty member Kirsten Williford crawls under a damaged home into a crawl space.

Lucas Hunter shovels mud back into the Swannanoa River. 

Sarah Weavil, Shelly Barnes, Kirsten Williford, Zach Guiciardi, and Lisa Stanley-Smith take a break from removing debris from a damaged home.

 Shelly Barnes shovels mud out from a crawl space.