As we watch communities in Appalachia struggle to gather resources and rebuild their communities, we simply can not sit by without reaching out a hand. While we may be too far to pick up the pieces alongside Appalachians in person, we can do our best to send resources in other ways.

This campaign is designated to raising funds within our community to send a large donation directly to ProjectHOPE where the money will be allocated specifically to locals of the communities in North Carolina where the damage has been the most devastating.

I grew up in Appalachia, and recently moved back to the Aspen Valley to serve at the youth center. My roots run exceptionally deep with Appalachian culture and love for my neighbors. This year, my family lost one of the most incredible Appalachian women I've ever known - my grandmother. She taught my brothers, cousins, and myself to help your neighbor before you even think of helping yourself. So that's what we're here to do.

My grandmother (Nana) left me with one of her favorite gifts -- her apple butter recipe. While I normally make this each year for friends and family to share her in tradition, this year I want to use it to give back like she would have. So for each donation we receive that is over $50 I will personally send a jar of handmade apple butter with a copy of Nana's recipe for you to use and share as you like.

We'll have the help of the AYC staff and members working to churn out as much as we can to send a jar or two to each of our generous donors with a handwritten note of thanks.

While we know this is only a drop in the bucket, we sincerely request your support in funding the rebuilding of those communities out East. Thank you, and happy fall.

Claire Hemme

Aspen Youth Center Program Manager

Harvesting Hope: Apple Butter Drive for Disaster Relief

Butter Believe We Can Help Appalachia!

Team Members