In late May, 250 migrant workers will arrive in Henderson County carrying their possessions in plastic trash bags. We would like to let these workers feel welcome and appreciated. Last year, gift bags of essential items were distributed through the efforts of UUFH, Heart of Hendersonville Immigration Task Force and the people at Heartwood Retreat Center. This year, due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the donated items will be distributed by the staff of the Henderson County Migrant Education Program.
The needed items are toothbrushes, toothpaste, bar soap, toilet paper, bandanas and masks. Heartwood is also collecting funds to buy 250 air mattresses for the workers so they will not have to sleep on hard floors. Donations to the mattress fund should be made to the Heartwood Retreat Center. Thank you for thinking of these essential workers; they are vital to our local economy and the nation’s food network.
The participating groups are asking the children and adult participant donors to make cards saying “Mil Gracias por todo el trabajo que hacen por nosotros!” (Thank you so much for all the work you do for us). The cards can be decorated with appropriate items (drawings, stickers etc.) and signed with first names at minimum. These personal notes tell the migrants that the community welcome them.
“No Contact” drop-off:
Residents at Heartwood Retreat Center are collecting donations – money, cards, and/or gift items – in bins on their front porch. They will bring the labeled bins in each evening and put them out again the next day. Donated items will be picked up by staff from the Migrant Education Program and distributed to the workers.
Directions:
Heartwood Retreat Center, 159 Oceola Road, Hendersonville, 28739
Heading west (away from Hendersonville) on Willow Road, watch for Lakeside Drive, the very next road on the left will be Oceola Rd. Turn Left on to Oceola Rd.
If coming from the opposite direction (east) on Willow Road, when you see Blazing Valley Rd. on your right (across from the Valley Hill Fire Station), the very next street on your right will be Oceola Rd. Turn Right.
Heartwood, a large Victorian mansion (formerly the Oceola Inn), will be on your left in the second block of Oceola Road. Look for the blue fountain in front of the porch.
For any questions, contact Anne Backer at HERE.