North Hills Christian School News Service

SALISBURY — In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastation in western North Carolina, the small community of Bakersville has found relief and hope through the kindness of strangers.

The Troyer family from Johnson City, Tennessee, arrived just days after the hurricane struck, setting up a food distribution site to serve hot meals to those in need. After a school family heard about the Troyer family’s relief efforts, they connected NHCS with the Troyers. Students and staff from North Hills Christian School (NHCS) in Salisbury have since joined forces with the Troyers, embodying the school’s mission to “equip hearts and minds of students to impact the world for Christ.”

“Serving alongside the Troyer family has been an eye-opening experience for our students,” said Shari Evans, NHCS’s spiritual life director, who led the volunteer groups. “It’s one thing to teach about leadership through service, but it’s another to see our students actively engaging and making a tangible difference in people’s lives.”

Earlier this month, in back-to-back weeks, a small group of NHCS students and staff traveled to Bakersville to assist at the food distribution site. Together, they helped serve over 2,000 hot meals to members of the Bakersville community each day they served. The experience not only provided immediate aid but also offered valuable life lessons for the students involved.

“Our hearts were filled as we talked with those we served,” Evans said. “These interactions have a profound impact on our students, helping them put our mission and values into action.”

North Hills senior and Junior Civitans President Eden Gilbreath shared that the trip was humbling and highlighted the importance of compassion and service.

“Seeing the gratitude in people’s eyes reminded me why it’s so important to help others,” Gilbreath said. “It’s an experience I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

The school’s commitment to service underscores one of its core values: leadership through service. Sophomore Penelope Lookadoo shared how witnessing the hurricane’s impact firsthand emphasized the importance of this core value.

“Seeing the devastation up close really drove home the need to step up and help,” Lookadoo said. “It made me realize that being a leader isn’t just about words, it’s about living out our faith and making a positive difference in the lives of others.”

The commitment of NHCS students and staff showcases the school’s dedication to nurturing students both academically and spiritually. By continuing their support of the relief efforts in Bakersville, they are not only offering vital assistance but also living out their mission to impact the world for Christ.