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I'm training for the Marine Corp Marathon on October 27th in Washington, DC, and while your contributions will provide motivation during the run, this request isn't directly for me.
Following the devastation to the mountains that will always be home, I realized the need to run for something more than just myself. We Western North Carolinians are a tough bunch and will get through this together!
As a native of Western North Carolina (WNC), currently living in the DC area, I have to help. I grew up in Morganton. Family resides in Nebo, Burnsville, and Spruce Pine, with dear friends in Asheville, where I've lived the majority of my life.
Knowing this, many of you have reached out asking how you too can also help, so here's what I'd like to do if you're able to pitch in:
- I'm contributing to the pot $10 per mile for the 26ish miles I run for the marathon ($260 total). Like those old school walk-a-thons where you sponsor a mile (except, I hopefully won't be walking).
- You're welcome to match as much of that as possible, or just contribute on a per mile basis ($10 per)
- Know that when I'm running, every mile needs motivation. So, when there's a contribution to WNC supporting that mile, it's definitely an incentive to keep pushing forward!
- Between today (10/7) and Thursday (10/11) I'll be collecting your contributions that will be spent on supplies (listed below) that I plan to buy in bulk
- On Friday (10/12) morning, I'll load up a U-Haul trailer (or huge truck depending on support) and then my son, Henri, and I will drive down to Nebo, Old Fort, then Asheville, NC to deliver.
Your proceeds will go towards the following:
- Cleaning supplies
- Paper towels
- Large outdoor garbage bags
- Snacks
- Pop top canned food
- Water
- Baby formula and diapers
- Additional requests as I gather more info (I've heard that farm animal feed/supplies and cleanup tools are needed also)
I'll be doing the following with these supplies:
- Delivering some to friends and family (using my personal funds for this)
- Making stops at all three Whole Foods Market locations and delivering the above supplies to our team members there (I've discussed/coordinated this with each store's STL and their ELO)
- Any remaining inventory, I'll be taking to the well known MANNA Food Bank in Mills River (I've already spoken to their receiving director on how/when to do this, given the large volume of supplies they've received).
I know that making financial donations to charity is a personal decision.
If you're able to help, then great, but no worries if not! Just know that you'll be helping me to help others impacted by the storm (and providing me some extra marathon motivation in the process).
Thanks,
Eric
Organizer
