CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Beginning today (Monday), Burley Middle School begins a two-week collection of clothing and other items for the middle school they’ve adopted in flood-ravaged Swannanoa, NC. 7th grade English teacher Kevin Ellen told Morning News they were talking at that school about fundraising to help in western Carolina, but that evolved into him reaching out to Swannanoa’s middle school principal. They began collecting in the school’s counseling office today (Monday), and the community is invited to donate, as well, “middle school” attire such as hoodies, t-shirts, leggings, shoes, and socks… all new or very gently used.

Ellen said this is not only a time to do something for that region, but also an educational opportunity in teaching empathy to students. He noted teens often have the thought of helping others in wonder of what’s in it for them. He said a 6th-grader had already shown up with a backpack full last week, which thrills him that even though the collecting doesn’t start until Monday, this student is excited about helping. And it also shows that they as teens can make a difference.

Ellen says Swannanoa has no running water, very little electricity, and they don’t know when they’ll be able to wash clothes again, this the call for new or gently used. Click here to watch a video from a local videographer there of the situation.