10/11/2024
The Metrolina Greenhouses team is deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene across the southeastern United States. While our facilities in York, SC and Huntersville, NC were unharmed, our priority has been ensuring the safety and well-being of our team members, particularly those based in Western North Carolina and South Carolina, where the impact has been greatest.
Additionally, with the VanWingerden family roots right in Fletcher, NC, near some of the hardest-hit areas, this storm feels personal to us. Although our extended family’s facilities there were spared, we’re also concerned for other greenhouse operations and horticultural businesses affected by the storm, and we are working with them already in the unique ways greenhouse operators can help each other. We are also working closely with our retail partners and local organizations to provide immediate relief in the affected communities across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Many of our Metrolina team members have already donated time, resources, and money this week with their local churches and community organizations, or by going into the impacted areas to help family and friends. We are thankful for them, and as you can imagine, their personal stories are both gut-wrenching and heartwarming.
Our Metrolina Community Outreach team has begun organizing donations to key groups in the local community, and we are also supporting donated goods to local drop-off points, including the Lake Norman YMCA in Cornelius, NC, and Liberty Church in York, SC, which are collecting supply donations.
At Metrolina, we stand with those affected by Hurricane Helene and we are committed to helping our communities rebuild. We are grateful for the generosity of our team and neighbors. More to come as we know this sudden event has created long-term need and commitment from our team, our company, and our family.
