GTCC joins other community colleges across North Carolina to support Haywood Community College

GTCC staff members collected for adopted families in the HCC community.

When Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina in September, it left Haywood Community College (HCC) reeling. Homes, cars, and cherished possessions were lost in devastating floods and mudslides. To aid the recovery, GTCC joined a cohort of community colleges across North Carolina to support HCC.

The team’s first step was raising funds for employees and students who lost nearly everything. GTCC launched a special campaign that rallied faculty, staff, students, and supporters to donate to the cause. GTCC was able to contribute $20,000 to the state-wide effort, showcasing the sense of community and care that runs through GTCC's veins.

The team's second step was buying gifts for Haywood families to ensure they had a wonderful holiday season. Various college departments adopted families in the HCC community to provide essentials and gifts, ranging from clothing to baby food to presents for the children of those families.

“The outpouring of support from our Titan family for our friends at Haywood Community College demonstrates the true spirit of solidarity that defines our community college system in North Carolina," said GTCC President Anthony Clarke, Ph.D. "I am proud of how our faculty, staff, students, and community have united to support their fellow educators and students at HCC during this challenging time.”

This partnership grew into a lifeline for HCC, offering not just financial help but a reminder of the strength found in unity. Together, they proved that even in the face of destruction, their collective spirit could rebuild and renew.