The drive launched by the Harvard Lions Club and schools this week to provide much-needed supplies to Asheville is an opportunity for Harvard to come together as a community to support another in need.
This year’s late summer hurricane was especially devastating to inland areas in Appalachia that are usually spared the full force of storms born in the Gulf and Atlantic. The road to recovery will be long and some difficult-to-reach rural areas are still without supplies, according to the Asheville Citizen Times.
There’s always the risk that volunteer relief efforts such as Harvard’s will add to a surplus of supplies destined to sit unused in a local warehouse. The list of needed goods compiled by the Massachusetts Lions is quite specific, however, and was developed, we understand, in consultation with the Lions Club of Asheville, which will coordinate distribution of donated supplies.
Donations should be limited to items on that list. Clothes are not wanted. Cash donations are especially welcome. And the speed with which the Lions and schools have acted should help ensure the right supplies reach the right people at the right time.
Sadly, the storm that devastated western North Carolina will not be the last. Our changing climate promises more of the same, testing our resilience and generosity toward those who suffer its consequences. Our own resilience may be tested in coming years, and we may find ourselves looking to others for help. Acting in solidarity with another community in need arguably strengthens our own.
We commend the Lions and schools for their initiative and energy. They represent the best of Harvard.