In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Buncombe County Schools Arts Education Specialist Laura Mitchell has been delivering moments of hope by providing art kits to students who have been affected by the storm. Believing in the power of art to heal and bring communities together, Mitchell embarked on a project that has grown over the past four weeks.
With the support of dozens of volunteers, contributors, individuals, and classrooms across the country wanting to help Western North Carolina (WNC), Mitchell has distributed 525 art kits to kids and families recovering from the storm. The kits have been delivered to various sites, including distribution centers, faith-based organizations, and FEMA locations. Each kit is thoughtfully curated to include a sketchbook, colored pencils or crayons, markers, a pencil for sketching, a pencil sharpener, and even drawing prompts. Mitchell designed two versions of the kits to cater to both teens and children.
Mitchell has been working with a colleague through the A+ Schools network, and together they decided to name their operation, “Art Kit Aid.”
“Our mission is to supply creativity and comfort in times of crisis by providing art supplies and/or opportunities to create,” said Mitchell. “Art is not only a way to heal and process emotions but also a means of expression.”
Mitchell has worked with teachers to create art to process their own experiences post-Helene, and she is excited to continue the work for Western North Carolina and other communities that may experience a crisis in the future and times of uncertainty.
The initiative has been met with gratitude from communities across WNC, providing a source of comfort and creativity during a challenging time. Mitchell and her team of volunteers have shown that even in the aftermath of a storm, there is room for light and beauty.
For more information contact Laura Mitchell laura.mitchell@bcsemail.org
Thank you to all who have helped make this project possible!