WSCC Helping Flood Victims

Walters State Community College has responded to the flooding disaster by helping its students as well as others affected by the disaster created by Hurricane Helene. Cocke and Greene counties, two of the counties in Walters State’s reach, were among the hardest hit by Helene’s flooding. Faculty, staff and students then stepped up to help those affected by the flood by gathering and distributing supplies, feeding those in need, and donating money to a newly created emergency fund.

The Storm Assistance Fund was established on Sept. 29 through the Walters State Foundation to provide assistance to students and employees affected by Helene. Funds have been used to fully stock food pantries at the college’s Niswonger Campus in Greeneville and also its center in Newport. The money generated by the fund also was used to purchase supplies such as water, cleaning supplies and toiletries to help those in need. Donations can be made to that fund at www.ws.edu/give. A separate, existing Student Emergency Fund is being used to assist students affected by the flood. To date, nine students have received funds.

Faculty members also reached out to affected students on a one-on-one basis. Many delivered groceries to students who were unable to make it to distributions points and have volunteered with clean-up efforts. The Walters State Food Truck, which is part of the Maples Institute for Culinary Arts, has served hot lunches, alternating between the Newport Center and the Niswonger Campus in Greeneville during the two weeks following the flood.