Project: Christmas Like Normal

My name is Brooklyn Hunter, and I have watched devastation hit 5 counties that I have lived in, worked in, gone to class in, and grown up in. During Hurricane Helene, I was unable to help due to a medical issue that came up. I couldn’t help in the present when there was so much pain in the communities I had pieces of myself in. So, I started thinking of the future. I spent time with my niece (who, despite everything, was a ray of sunshine), I watched families with young children post videos of decimated homes, I saw pictures of abandoned mud-ridden teddy bears, I saw obituaries of parents who left behind young children, and I saw urgent pleas for winter coats because higher elevations were preparing for sudden drops in temperature. All I could think is, they won’t understand. They might not understand for years. All of these children have experienced, witnessed, or lived through this unimaginable tragedy. As a child, the world is simple. And what has just happened to them, is so traumatically complex. Can we provide some normalcy of childhood? I immediately thought of Christmas. It might seem trivial to adults, and I hope it does not come across as tone deaf. But to a child, Christmas can be the best time of year. Will they understand that they might not get a present from Santa or their parents because of housing, financial, or physical difficulties? This should not be guilt or a burden on the parents, guardians or family members. Everyone is doing their very best. These kids deserve the very best, they have been so strong. To help give kids some normalcy despite all of this uncertainty, heartache, and change, I am proposing: Project: Christmas Like Normal for five of the more rural WNC communities: Avery, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, and Yancey. I have worked with students from all 5 of these counties, and they are so special. They deserve this. The plan is to have a distribution site in each county on different days. I will need at least 10 volunteers (including one Spanish speaking volunteer) for each county to help with the distribution. They will have the opportunity to pick out (1) toy, (1) stuffed animal, (1) pair of gloves, (1) hat, (1) book, and (1) coat in shopping type set up. There will also be a wrapping station with either gift bags or wrapping paper to put the child’s name and who it is from: mom, dad, Santa, etc. As for logistics, I have spoken to a storage unit in Madison county to rent their largest for the next two months to house donations and sorting. I am working with community partners on distribution sites and dates! The monetary goal will go towards the storage unit ($300 a month), transportation of gifts, rental of distribution space (if needed), and supplies. Any surplus money beyond supply needs, or even the goal, will go towards purchasing new toys/items for donations. Physical Donations will begin on November 1st 2pm-6pm at 885 Crossroads Parkway Mars Hill, NC 28754. Monetary Donations can be sent to this GFM or my personal Venmo (direct message as needed).

For donations:

- [ ] New or Like New (Great Condition) toys - $30 and under for all ages

- [ ] Coats of all sizes New/Used

-[ ] Hats/ Gloves/ Socks of New/Like New

- [ ] New/ Like New (great condition) stuffed animals

- [ ] Wrapping paper

- [ ] Gift boxes

- [ ] Gift bags

- [ ] Tissue paper

- [ ] Clear tote boxes

Donation dates:

Nov 1st 2pm-6pm

Nov 2nd 9am-1pm

Nov 10th 10am-2pm

Nov 17th 10am-2pm

Nov 24th 10am-2pm

Nov 27th 2pm-5pm

Dec 1st 10am-2pm

Dec 8th 10-2pm. Last day

Because the donation site is a public storage unit, please do not bring donations outside of hours. We do not want to cause a mess for the business owners while trying to help others.

Distribution sites and dates will be updated as soon as settled. If you are interested in volunteering for distribution in one of the counties, please reach out to me. There is also a t-shirt fundraiser to go towards this project as well. I would ask that the volunteers consider buying one to wear for the day of their distribution.

Tshirt Fundraiser Link

Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do. I have been so proud to be a part of each of these communities! If this reaches beyond the communities I have grown up in, thank you for taking time to give back to these counties. They are each so special and are all going through way too much. I understand this is just a simple bandaid, but I hope it can bring comfort and joy. Join me in loving on our small community members. ❤️

-Brooklyn H.