(828) 526-0173 | [email protected] | Copyright 2024 – All Rights Reserved.
Afternoon Fundraiser
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: August - 2022
The vital work of Highlands Emergency Council will get a boost when it stages its big fundraiser at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Saturday, August 20.
Highlands Emergency Council, founded in 1985, offersan afternoon of music, food, a raffle, and a silentauction – all for the purpose of raising funds to assistat-risk individuals and families securing basic needs.The Lisa Boone Band will play at Kelsey-Hutchinson FoundersPark on Saturday, August 20, from noon to 3:00 P.M. The eventis free to the public and monetary donations can be specificallyallocated for a variety of needs, including food and fuel.Former substitute teacher and native Highlander Mary AnneCreswell has managed grants and projects for HighlandsEmergency Council, and she explained that what started asa group of local people gathering for community fellowship,primarily with the purpose harvesting apples and produce topreserve, evolved into an organization meeting needs.“If there was a death or if a fire destroyed a person’s home,for example, this group would give preserved foods but thenalso would dispense donated furnishings and householditems,” said Creswell, whose family has lived in Highlands formany generations. “Now we have a building on Poplar Streetwith a warehouse for furnishings, household items, clothing,and food. We have an office, and we are open every day butSunday, usually from 8:00 A.M. until about 1:00 or 2:00 P.M.in the afternoon.”Manna officially helped Highlands Emergency Councilestablish a food bank, and then an individual’s need for fuel ledto the development of a fuel assistance program. “As we areable to, we fill up tanks for the winter,” she said, adding thatthe organization’s motto is: “No one should go to bed hungry orcold in the Highlands’ area.”She pointed out, “As long as it’s given to us, then we areprivileged to dispense it to other people.”Individuals who visit the Highlands Emergency Council sitemust fill out an application and show proof of income becauseCreswell noted, “Unfortunately, there are people who will takeadvantage of what we offer, and we need to have food and itemsavailable for people who are truly in need.”Anyone interested in volunteering and/or donating can visitHighlands Emergency Council at 71 Poplar Street.
by Deena Bouknight
