CLEVELAND, Ga. – We are all feeling the effects of the cold winter weather, especially the families in North Carolina, which are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. However, a powerful partnership with a company in Cleveland has provided warmth and relief to families there.
Project Healing Heat, a collaborative initiative between disaster relief nonprofit Fill the Needs and Southern Legacy Wood Products in Cleveland has delivered over 500 tons of kiln-dried firewood to hard-hit communities, helping displaced families access a safe and reliable heating source.
“When my business partner dropped off the first load and saw the devastation firsthand, it was clear we needed to do more,” said co-owner of Southern Legacy Wood Products, Jadie Hatcher. “Our company was uniquely positioned to help because of our kiln-drying process, which meets North Carolina’s strict requirements for out-of-state firewood.”
This large-scale effort provided vital firewood to residents of Black Mountain, Candler, Marion, Burnsville, Granite Falls, and Foscoe. These areas are still struggling to recover from the storm’s impact.
Beyond the immediate need for warmth, the project highlights the crucial role that business-nonprofit partnerships play in disaster recovery.
“Disaster recovery doesn’t end when the floodwaters recede. Many North Carolinians remain displaced and face ongoing hardships,” said Fill the Needs President Amy Sins. “Finding a partner who could deliver such a large quantity of firewood while meeting all regulatory requirements was critical. This collaboration has been life-changing for so many families.”
Sins adds, “As the initial phase concludes, both organizations remain committed to supporting North Carolina’s ongoing recovery.”
