Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina on Sept. 27, 2024, bringing historic flooding to the region. In response, Chattanooga Christian School (CCS) extended support to Asheville Christian Academy (ACA), which sustained more than $15 million in damages to its campus. Like CCS, Asheville Christian Academy is a PreK-12 Christian school. According to ACA’s website, their 55-acre campus was strewn with vehicles, homes, and other debris carried by the floodwaters of the Swannanoa River. 

CCS launched an initiative called BOX IT UP for Asheville, encouraging families to adopt a student or faculty member from ACA and create personalized care boxes. Throughout November and December, CCS families collected items and donations to aid ACA’s recovery. The goal was to provide nearly 900 care boxes, and the CCS community successfully delivered for every single individual. 

“By rough estimates, this was a $40,000+ project supported by more than 400 different individuals and families. I am overwhelmed with gratitude every time I think about what a gift it has been to see our community come together in support of Asheville Christian Academy,” Assistant Principal Belinda Martin said.

The care boxes included school supplies, snacks, and heartfelt letters of encouragement. Many CCS students contributed by personally writing letters to uplift ACA students, teachers, and staff. Led by High School Vice Principal Belinda Martin, the initiative highlighted the community’s dedication to helping ACA recover from this disaster.

To learn more about ways to help, visit Asheville Christian Academy Disaster Relief.