Due to the continued state of emergency and the difficult situation with the loss of power and water in many communities throughout McDowell County, McDowell Technical Community College President Dr. J.W. Kelley announced today that McDowell Technical Community College will be closed through October 4th. Essential staff at the college will return to work in a phased process and are being notified of specific work schedules and responsibilities during this critical time.
“We are also asking our faculty and staff to assist with loading and unloading trucks at a warehouse distribution center that has been set up at Universal Advanced Manufacturing Center,” said Kelley. “Supplies from this center will be sent to locations throughout the county designated by the county’s emergency services staff as ‘community points of distribution.’”
Kelley indicated that students have been notified by email of the availability of community resources that they can access during this time, as well as important issues regarding class schedules and assignments:
- Non-perishable food items, water, infant supplies and other items are available at ‘community points of distribution’ at the following locations from 10 am to noon and 4 to 6 pm while supplies last:
- 6008 Hwy 221 N, Marion, NC 28752 (Hicks Chapel Church)
- 8153 Hwy 221 N (formerly TJ’s Discounts)
- 245 E Court Street, Marion, NC 28752 (New Manna Baptist Church)
- 7860 Hwy 226 S. Nebo, NC 28761 (Solid Rock Freewill Baptist Church)
- 38 Catawba Ave., Old Fort. NC 28762 (Old Fort Town Hall)
- Shelter locations are available at the following locations for those who have been displaced from their homes:
- Glenwood Baptist Church located at 155 Glenwood Baptist Church Rd, Marion, NC 28752
- McDowell Senior Center located at 100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752
- Corpening Memorial YMCA located at 348 Grace Corpening Drive, Marion, NC 28752
- Classes have been cancelled through October 4th.
- There will be no new assignments during this time.
- All assignments and academic deadlines have been postponed until the college returns to some form of normalcy.
- A Hurricane Resource page has been set up on the college website for students to check for regular updates.
“While many of our students and their families are in need of critical resources at this time, we have also invited those faculty, staff and students who are able to do so to assist others by making donations to the primary distribution point at Universal Advanced Manufacturing Center or volunteering at needed locations throughout the county,” said Kelley.
CLICK HERE FOR THE MTCC HURRICANE RESOURCES PAGE
Donations:
Essential supplies can be dropped off at the Universal Advanced Manufacturing Center, located at 634 College Drive, Marion, NC.
The following items are being accepted:
- Bottled water
- Baby supplies, including diapers and wipes
- Non-perishable food items
Drop-off hours are 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, daily.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Those who are able to volunteer are invited to contact the McDowell County Volunteer Coordinator at (828) 559-9731 to learn about current opportunities and how they can contribute.
Roles may include:
- Assisting with the distribution of supplies
- Helping at shelters
- Supporting clean-up efforts
“While we are in the important business of educating students and building capacity in the local and regional workforce, in times of crisis, our first order of business is taking care of ourselves, our families and our neighbors,” said Kelley. “That will be our sole focus over the coming days, and we invite everyone in the community who is able to join us in our efforts to help our neighbors as they recover from this storm’s devastating impact.”
