In response to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene on North Carolina, KZ Recreational Vehicles has stepped up to provide crucial support to a volunteer team aiding in disaster relief efforts.
On Friday, Sept. 27, Hurricane Helene brought historic rainfall, flooding, strong winds and tornadoes to the state, causing significant damage, particularly in the western Appalachian region of North Carolina. In the aftermath, many families were left without homes, and local infrastructure was severely damaged.
Blue River Covenant Brethren Church (CBC) from Columbia City, Indiana, organized a volunteer trip to Watauga County, North Carolina, to support Samaritan’s Purse International Relief, a nondenominational Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to people in crisis around the world, in assisting homeowners affected by the storm. However, the team was struggling with funding and temporary housing shortages, which threatened to derail their efforts.
KZ Recreational Vehicles and its division Venture RV were able to step in and offer a solution. Dave Boggs, general manager of Venture RV, and Paul Gingerich, KZ quality control manager, who attends Blue River Covenant Brethern Church, discussed the challenges faced by the volunteer team and brainstormed ways to help. Boggs proposed offering KZ’s camping units, which are typically used for personal use by KZ employees and their families at a local campground during the summer months.
“The team encountered numerous challenges throughout the process,” said Gingerich. “However, each obstacle was overcome, thanks to generous donations, including vehicles to tow the campers and financial contributions for food and travel. The KOA campground, originally set to close on Oct. 30, extended its closing date to Nov. 2 to accommodate the volunteers. The way everything came together so quickly was nothing short of a miracle.”
With the approval of KZ’s leadership team, including Marlene Snyder, vice president of sales and marketing, and Lynn Stutzman, director of operations, the company loaned two travel trailers to support the volunteer team’s efforts in North Carolina. Gingerich was tasked with overseeing communications and logistics with the volunteer group, and once all donations were secured, a team of 10 volunteers, including KZ employee David Miller, Plant 6, made their way to North Carolina in late October. The team spent three days helping with cleanup efforts, including mudding out homes and clearing trees.
“We are deeply grateful to KZ RV and Venture RV for their generous support in providing the loaner travel trailers,” said Dave Kreider, trip coordinator for Blue River CBC. “Thanks to their kindness, we were able to stay on site and continue our important work with Samaritan’s Purse, assisting those impacted by Hurricane Helene.”
The donation of the travel trailers underscores KZ RV’s strong commitment to community support and disaster relief. The volunteer team’s efforts have had a significant and lasting impact on those affected by Hurricane Helene. The loaner trailers were crucial in providing the necessary resources for volunteers to carry out their work efficiently and effectively.
To support ongoing relief efforts in North Carolina, donations and volunteers are still needed. Those who wish to contribute can do so through the following organizations:
In addition, KZ Recreational Vehicles announced its recent donation to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in Goshen, Indiana.
The contribution was made possible through the sale of custom “Support Our Veterans” T-shirts, a fundraiser designed to honor and support the nation’s veterans.
Proceeds from the T-shirt sales were donated to the DAV organization in Goshen as a way for KZ Recreational Vehicles to show its gratitude and commitment to veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country. The initiative also reflects KZ’s ongoing dedication to giving back to the community and supporting causes that make a positive impact, the company said.
“We wanted to find a meaningful way to give back to veterans in our community,” said Ryan Juday, president of KZ RV. “Through this fundraiser, we were able to engage our employees, raise awareness, and ultimately provide some financial support to the Disabled American Veterans, an organization that does so much for those who have served.”
Disabled American Veterans is a nonprofit organization that provides vital support to disabled veterans, including access to essential services, benefits assistance and community engagement opportunities. KZ’s donation aims to assist DAV in its mission and ensure that veterans in the Goshen area receive the recognition and support they deserve.
KZ said it is grateful to everyone who participated in this fundraiser and looks forward to continuing its efforts to support local heroes in the future.
