Torch sends community-donated supplies, equipment to NC in wake of Helene

HUNTSVILLE — The devastation from Hurricane Helene has affected multiple states but no place was harder hit than western North Carolina.

After learning of the extensive damage to the area, a Huntsville businessman worked to raise more than $100,000 in community-donated supplies and equipment over a two-day period which were then sent to North Carolina.

“I wanted to do something to help those in need,” said Bill Roark, co-founder of Torch Technologies. “Late Thursday afternoon, I let Torch employees know that I was planning to take supplies to North Carolina over the weekend if anyone wanted to donate. That email and a social media post started a wave of generosity throughout the community.

“In a matter of hours, donations started arriving at the Freedom Center. In less than two days, two trailers were loaded with non-perishable food items, water, generators, chain saws, and other supplies thanks to members of the community along with the employees of Torch Technologies, KODA Technologies, and Yulista.”

“The response was overwhelming. This is a great example of the giving spirit within our community, and I am proud I could be part of this small effort to help those in need.”

Tammie Dodson, director of Communications for Starfish Holdings (parent company of Torch), hopes that the company’s efforts will encourage others to donate to the victims of Helene.

“Torch is an employee-owned company and a benefit corporation,” said Dodson. “We have made a public pledge to give back to our community. These efforts are one way we can give back and help those in critical need in a time of crisis. It has been our experience that an act of kindness usually spurs others into action.

“All we did was make a way to get things to North Carolina, our employees and the community did the rest.”

If you would like to help those in need, several national organizations are accepting donations to help those affected by Hurricane Helene including the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and Americares.