HCTC and SKCTC to co-sponsor flood relief drive

Published on Oct 1, 2024

Hazard Community & Technical College (HCTC) and Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College (SKCTC) will co-sponsor a relief drive in collaboration with local nonprofit organizations for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene across the southern United States.

HCTC and SKCTC are collecting specific emergency relief items related to shelter, food and warmth needs, such as cleaning supplies (including disinfectant wipes, mops, multipurpose cleaners, paper towels, sponges and squeegees), nonperishable foods, blankets and hygiene items (including toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and soap).

All donations must be dropped off at one of multiple locations across the colleges' service areas by noon on Friday, Oct. 4. These locations include:

Devert Owens Building Lobby, Hazard Community & Technical College Technical Campus, 101 Vo-tech Drive, Hazard, Ky. 41701;
E.O. Robinson Intergenerational Center Lobby, Hazard Community & Technical College Lees College Campus, 601 Jefferson Ave., Jackson, Ky. 41339;
Jolly Classroom Center Lobby, Hazard Community & Technical College HWY 15 Campus, 1 Community College Drive, Hazard, Ky. 41701;
Student Lounge, Hazard Community & Technical College Leslie County Center, 108 Maples Ave., Hyden, Ky. 41749;
Admissions Office, Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College Cumberland Campus, 700 College Road, Cumberland, Ky. 40823;
Admissions Office, Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College Harlan Campus, 164 Ball Park Road, Harlan, Ky. 40831;
Admissions Office, Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College Knox Campus, 117 Shelby Street, Barbourville, Ky. 40906;
Admissions Office, Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College Middlesboro Campus, 100 College Road, Middlesboro, Ky. 40965; and
Admissions Office, Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College Whitesburg Campus, 2 Long Avenue, Whitesburg, Ky. 40823.

HCTC President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Jennifer Lindon and SKCTC Interim President and CEO Dr. Patsy Jackson both said that the initiative is a way for their communities to give back to those who served them in the wake of the 2022 eastern Kentucky floods.

"As a community college, we care deeply about the community and our neighbors who have been so generous with us in times of need," Dr. Jackson said. "We stand ready to work together and offer help to those impacted."

Dr. Lindon reiterated Dr. Jackson’s sentiments, highlighting the institutions’ collaboration to support those impacted by the inclement weather events.

"In 2022, when our communities experienced flooding of unparalleled magnitudes, rescue and relief teams from east Tennessee and northwest North Carolina did not hesitate to offer their support," Dr. Lindon said. "Their collaboration then and our collaboration now are reminders that we are stronger when we work together. As Appalachians, we know the importance of caring for our neighbors and loving them in their times of need."

HCTC primarily serves Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Owsley, Perry and Wolfe counties; SKCTC primarily serves Bell, Harlan, Knox and Letcher counties. To learn more about the institutions, visit the Hazard Community & Technical College and Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College webpages.