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Supporting Our Neighbors
Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: August 2024
Highlands Emergency Council’s Neighborhood Cookout, set for September 1 at Highlands Community Building, is a cheerful celebration of what’s best about Plateau Life..
Highlands Emergency Council is a beehive of activity and a visit there reminds us of all that is good about this wonderful community we call home – neighbors supporting neighbors.
On any given day you’ll see Teresa, Marie, and their merry band of volunteers who work six days a week to ensure that this place runs like a well-oiled machine. You’ll be greeted with warm smiles and called by name whether you are there to donate or to receive.
This Labor Day weekend they invite everyone to join them for a cookout on Sunday, September 1, from 12:30 P.M. until 2:30 at the Highlands Community Building on Poplar Street.
The accomplished chefs from Wilson Gas will be manning the grills and for $10 you can enjoy a hamburger or hot dog meal complete with sides, drinks, and dessert. The event will be held rain or shine. No community cookout would be complete without live music, so of course there will be music. In fact, if you’re a local musician looking for a jam session or a chance to show your talents you might want to give them a call at (828) 526-4357 and see if there’s a place on the roster for you.
Since 1985 the Highlands Emergency Council has provided an ongoing and no-cost food assistance program in which they disåçtribute weekly food boxes filled with staple items, as well as fresh meat, fruit, vegetables, and dairy, to individuals and families in need.
The need is greater than one might imagine. In June they assisted 1,600 people. It is important to note that approximately 75 percent of those they assist are working folks who need help making ends meet. The services they provide are invaluable.
Besides providing food they also provide so much more-clothing, household goods, personal grooming items, and lots more. Their fuel assistance program is vital to keeping homes heated during the winter months. They provide firewood as well as fuel assistance to those in need.
Highlands Emergency Council is located at 71 Poplar Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 until 2:00 and on Saturday from 8:00 until 1:00. They accept and encourage monetary donations and donations of gently used household items, furniture, linens, and appliances. Or you can drop new, unopened items that are always in great demand such as diapers, pet food, feminine products, and canned goods.
Join them for their cookout but also check out their website at highlandsemergencycouncil.com for more information. You’ll want to support this 501c3 organization when you can. Tax donation forms are provided.
