The United Snowmobile Alliance (USA) received a plea for assistance from a relief volunteer trying to help residents displaced by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.
The situation is dire, with thousands of people living in tents and without power in areas north of Asheville, ranging from 2,750 ft elevation in Burnsville to 5,500 ft in Beech Mountain.
As temperatures drop significantly January through March (lows of -2°F and highs of 6°F), relief organizations were urgently requesting winter-rated sleeping bags to protect residents from the extreme cold.
However, due to the high cost of such sleeping bags, the volunteer suggests that used snowmobile suits would be a viable alternative.
The Alliance quickly took action, reaching out to clubs within their state associations, requesting used snowmobile suits, hats, gloves, thermal underwear, socks and cold-weather boots.
Over 4,000 Pounds of Gear Shipped to North Carolina Victims
The response wildly exceeded all expectations. Over 4,000 pounds of winter gear was collected by mid-January.
Snowmobile volunteers drove two separate shipments directly to Bald Creek Relief in Burnsville NC. Additional boxes were also shipped from around the country.
Relief workers reported there was enough snowmobile gear to outfit 500 people!
“Snowmobilers are all about solving problems and helping those in need” said Jeff Miller, USA Chairman.
Donations of winter gear and funds may be sent to Bald Creek Relief, 100 Bald Creek School Dr, Burnsville NC 28714. Visit baldcreekrelief.com for details.
The United Snowmobile Alliance, Inc, is dedication to the preservation and promotion of environmentally responsible organized snowmobiling and the creation of safe and sustainable snowmobiling in the United States.