Carolina Foothills Foundation Awards $550,000 to Rutherford and Polk Fire Departments After Hurricane Helene

The Carolina Foothills Foundation (CFF) located at 376 Hudlow Road, Forest City, recently granted $25,000 to 17 fire departments in Rutherford County and 5 fire departments in Polk County to assist in their Hurricane Helene rescue and relief efforts.  “Although this is not during our typical grant cycle, the Carolina Foothills Foundation chose to provide funding directly to these first responders, because they truly found themselves in unimaginable situations during the recent hurricane,” Linda Edgerton, CFF Board Co-chair stated. Rita Burch, CFF CEO reiterated that “the spirit of camaraderie among the fire departments made us all learn from them about how to work together, but it was obvious during the storm, they needed additional equipment to be able to do that.” 

Each of the 22 fire departments requested funding from the Foundation to replace, repair, or purchase items used in hurricane efforts and needed for future rescue.  For example, fire departments requested assistance with purchasing dry suits for swift water rescue, spare generators, Utility Terrain Vehicles to access difficult to get to areas, new turnout gear, pole saws, chain saw personal protective equipment, VHF and VIPER radios, Starlink systems, commercial refrigerators and freezers, replacement and repair of trucks damaged in the storm, swift water boats, boat trailers, and power stretchers. 

The Altitude Project located in Charlotte heard about the Carolina Foothills Foundation fire department assistance from former Rutherford County native Randy Peterson, and they decided to provide additional materials. Randy organized a truck delivery to the Foundation of donated chain saws, extra chains, chain saw personal protective equipment and other items. “I simply wanted a way to partner with my hometown and found a great partner in the Carolina Foothills Foundation in their response to the disaster and supporting fire departments,” Peterson said. Board member Linda Edgerton arranged for volunteers to bring a forklift and then fire departments to unload all of the equipment.  Leaders from the fire departments then were invited to pick up the chain saws and other equipment at the Foundation. 

The Carolina Foothills Foundation is a community based, 501c(3) charitable organization that provides funds and other support to meet the many health challenges that face people in Rutherford and Polk counties.  The Foundation provides direct support and empowers carefully selected organizations that impact individual and community wellness in the areas of eldercare, youth development, and wellness.  

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