Torch rallies community for hurricane relief

HUNTSVILLE – Torch Technologies, located in Huntsville, announced Tuesday that over $100,000 of community donated supplies and equipment were delivered to North Carolina over the weekend to assist in relief efforts from Hurricane Helene. The donation drive was a grass-roots effort started by Torch Co-Founder Bill Roark.

“I wanted to do something to help those in need,” said Torch Co-founder Bill Roark. “Late Thursday afternoon, I let Torch employees know that I was planning to take supplies to North Carolina over the weekend if anyone wanted to donate.” That email and a social media post started a wave of generosity throughout the community. In a matter of hours, donations started arriving at the Freedom Center. In less than two days, two trailers were loaded with non-perishable food items, water, generators, chain saws, and other supplies thanks to members of the community along with the employees of Torch Technologies, KODA Technologies, and Yulista.

“The response was overwhelming,” he said. This is a great example of the giving spirit within our community, and I am proud I could be part of this small effort to help those in need.”

If you would like to help those in need, several national organizations are accepting donations to help those affected by Hurricane Helene including the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and Americares. You can also make an appointment to donate blood via the American Red Cross website.