Saugus Church Rallies Community to Support Hurricane Victims in Asheville

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the TrueVine Church in Saugus, Massachusetts, hosted a bake sale and food sale to raise funds for those affected by Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina. The event, organized by Kelly Stewart and supported by fellow parishioners, aimed to provide direct assistance to the Asheville Baptist Church, which was leading the charge in providing relief and aid to families in need.

Uniting for a Cause: Saugus Church Spearheads Hurricane Relief Efforts

Bake Sale and Food Sale: A Community Effort

The TrueVine Church's bake sale and food sale was a true community effort, with members of the parish and the surrounding neighborhood coming together to prepare and sell a variety of baked goods and beverages. The event, which ran from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., saw a steady stream of customers throughout the day, with the church's location on a busy street in Saugus contributing to the growing foot traffic.Kelly Stewart, the organizer of the event, expressed her gratitude for the support and participation of the community. "We've had a good amount of people come. It's busier now... It's kind of a busy street, but we've slowly had more people stopping by," she said, highlighting the community's willingness to lend a helping hand.

Directing Funds Directly to Asheville Baptist Church

The funds raised from the bake sale and food sale will be directly sent to the Asheville Baptist Church, which is actively engaged in providing relief and support to families affected by Hurricane Helene. Stewart mentioned that her friends have close connections with members of the Asheville Baptist Church, and they sought permission to channel the funds directly to the church for maximum impact."The money is going to go directly to the Asheville Baptist Church. They're doing a lot of outreach in their town, and they're doing a lot of food and goods donations," Stewart explained, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the funds reach those in need as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Identifying Specific Families in Need

The TrueVine Church's efforts are not just about raising funds; they are also focused on identifying specific families in Asheville who have been severely impacted by the hurricane. Stewart shared details about a single mother whose house was destroyed, as well as a few other families who have been left without a home."They're going to be helping some families that they know. There's a single mother whose house got destroyed and a couple of other families who have no home now," she said, underscoring the church's commitment to providing targeted assistance to those most in need.

Ongoing Fundraising Efforts

The TrueVine Church's commitment to supporting the hurricane victims in Asheville extends beyond the initial bake sale and food sale. The church is already planning additional fundraising efforts, including a potential event at the Saugus Youth Football and Cheer game next weekend."We are planning on possibly doing some sort of fundraiser next weekend at the Saugus Youth Football and Cheer game. We aren't sure exactly what it's going to be, but we have talked about doing something at one of the football games," Stewart revealed, showcasing the church's determination to continue their support for the Asheville community.

Donation Channels: Venmo and Direct Contributions

For those who wish to contribute to the TrueVine Church's hurricane relief efforts, the church has set up a Venmo account (@TrueVineChurch) where donations can be made and designated for the Asheville relief efforts. Additionally, the church is accepting direct contributions, which will be forwarded to the Asheville Baptist Church to ensure the funds reach those in need.The TrueVine Church's initiative has not only brought the Saugus community together but has also demonstrated the power of compassion and the willingness to support those affected by natural disasters, regardless of geographical boundaries. As the relief efforts continue, the church's unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of the Asheville community serves as an inspiring example of the positive impact that can be achieved when a community comes together for a common cause.