On December 9th, the media center at W.D. Williams Elementary School was filled with joy and excitement as students eagerly lined up to select a special book. These books weren’t just any books – they were heartfelt gifts from students and families in Commerce, Georgia, who wanted to make a difference after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
Heather Wall and April Ruff, educators from Commerce Elementary and Primary Schools, were deeply moved by the news coverage of Hurricane Helene’s impact on Western North Carolina. Determined to help, they came up with a plan to send books to W.D. Williams Elementary. The pair created an Amazon wishlist, which quickly gained traction as hundreds of books poured in from across their community. Parents, staff, and students also contributed by donating books, and in no time, their collection grew to an incredible 632 books.
Heather and April collaborated with Christy Cheek of the Buncombe County Schools Foundation to coordinate the delivery. Packing up the books–each with a special note inside reminding students of how unique and valued they are–they made the trip to Swannanoa to personally deliver the gifts.
The surprises didn’t end there. In addition to choosing a book, each student received a warm pair of gloves, a cozy toboggan, and a candy cane to brighten their day even more. The joy was palpable as the students proudly showed off their new gifts and eagerly dove into their first reads.
Buncombe County Schools and the Buncombe County Schools Foundation extend our heartfelt gratitude to Heather; April; and the students, staff, and families of Commerce, Georgia for their generosity and kindness. Thank you for reminding us all of the power of compassion and the joy that can be shared through something as simple as a book!
