Gratitude & Giving: Burke County’s call to action

Thursday kicks off the winter holiday season, and the weather certainly seems to be cooperating. The dip into cold temperatures is perfect for today’s Winter Carnival in Downtown Morganton and sets the stage for making the season merry and bright.

It’s time to reflect on all the blessings in our lives and the thankfulness inventory looks different this year.

Hurricane Helene has pushed a few often-overlooked essentials to the top of the gratitude list: potable water, electricity, gas, and internet.

Even something that was an annoyance is now something to celebrate. If you have driven around town lately, you may have been stuck behind a utility crew making repairs or contract teams picking up debris. Hallelujah!

Let’s appreciate those workers who route drivers into one lane or stop us altogether while waving through the cars heading in the opposite direction. Grateful for the steady removal of yard debris and other remnants of Helene. Delighted that more than 53,000 cubic yards of debris have been removed in the county.

Our county is beginning to look more like it did on Sept. 26. When taking into consideration the state of the region immediately after Hurricane Helene, we have come a long way.

Residents, volunteers, nonprofit organizations, churches, municipal and county workers, utility workers, and federal resources have all banded together in a show of strength and solidarity not seen in years.

Yet many needs remain. That’s why Burke County United Way’s fifth annual 1BurkeGives Giving Day is so important. This year, 40 nonprofit organizations from across Burke County will participate, raising funds to support a wide variety of local causes — including hurricane relief. The 24-hour online fundraising event is set for Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 1BurkeGives.org.

The day is annually declared “Burke County Nonprofit Day” by the City of Morganton, Town of Valdese, Town of Hildebran, Town of Drexel, Town of Rutherford College, and Burke County Government. The local event aligns with Giving Tuesday, a globally recognized day dedicated to philanthropy.

Since its inception, Burke County United Way has sponsored the online platform, allowing any 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Burke County to participate for free, fundraise, and connect with new donors. Over the past four years, an average of 30 nonprofits have joined annually, with the event raising over $100,000 in a single day through community support.

The need has never been greater.

Throughout the 24-hour Giving Day, visitors to 1BurkeGives.org can keep track of donations via a live leaderboard, engage in peer-to-peer fundraising, and help their favorite nonprofits win cash prizes. A shopping cart similar to online shopping outlets will allow users to donate to multiple organizations in one transaction. The special Giving Day will feature in-person and virtual gatherings, special donation match hours, and live prize drawings.

Find the entire list of participating nonprofits online at www.1BurkeGives.org.

One of the organizations is the Western North Carolina Journalism Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to safeguard local news in the region through direct support to independent, local print and digital media publications. Dollars given to the foundation during the 1BurkeGives.org campaign will help The Paper bring on a college intern this summer.

Our community’s strength lies in its unity and generosity. Hurricane Helene reminded us of the importance of neighbors helping neighbors, and the progress we’ve made is a testament to that collective effort. But the journey isn’t over. By supporting 1BurkeGives Giving Day, we have the opportunity to continue driving that progress—helping those in need, strengthening our local nonprofits, and ensuring a brighter future for all. Together, let’s turn thankfulness into action and make a lasting impact.

Oh, there is one more thing for which we are thankful: the candidates swiftly removing their campaign signs after Election Day.

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at The Paper.