Hurricane Helene swept through Asheville, North Carolina beginning on September 26, 2024. Water flooded entire communities settled in the mountains 2,134 feet above sea level, a region usually not fearful of toppled trees, down power lines and depleted water supply. SPARK is traveling to serve with neighbors in Asheville 5 months after the hurricane hit.
Thursday, February 27th: leave Winston-Salem by 8:30am with the SPARK team or arrive at our host site, First Baptist Asheville by 11am to get settled and then share a community meal. The SPARK team plans to leave following Sunday worship with First Baptist at 11am. If volunteers need to leave Asheville before then, please do what is best for you.
SPARK will handle logistics: preparation, communication with partners, meals, supplies and any other necessary information.
SPARK is requesting an optional fee that will help cover trip supplies, as well as prioritize financial contributions to partner organizations in Asheville as they work to move forward.
Be sure to check out The What To Take on the infographic above so you can begin to prepare to travel.
Once you've registered, SPARK will follow-up with an email within 48 hours with simple paperwork to complete. There will be additional emails with reminders and new details as they unfold.
First Baptist Asheville is working hard to organize relief efforts in Asheville and surrounding areas. First Baptist will be the host site for this weekend. Showers are available on site, along with plenty of space to eat, fellowship, build community and rest.
SPARK is currently working with local organizations to hear about current needs and develop a plan for our first time there in 2025. Please trust that SPARK wants to be organized and will be for this trip, but SPARK also wants to be present to serve in ways that continue to unfold each day for our neighbors in Asheville.
The world is divided right now, but we don’t have to be. We’re inviting kids and adults of all ages to be the SPARK that ignites peace, love and kindness all over our community. Join us to rekindle kindness and show love in action.