This fall, Hawthorn Montessori School and its home of Buncombe County, NC were hit by Hurricane Helene, a once-in-a-lifetime disaster which left roads impassable for some teachers and families and the school closed for weeks due to lack of running water and unsafe conditions for children. Our teachers spent those weeks volunteering in the community – helping with storm damage cleanup, assisting small businesses and families, and driving and hiking to distribute aid to remote areas. Hawthorn volunteered its classroom space for local relief efforts to store and distribute food, hygiene supplies and other aid to members of the communities.

While Hawthorn is thrilled to finally be reopened and safely serving children again, the hurricane has caused an ongoing financial hardship. Staff lost income and wages during the closure and families have made the difficult decision to move away from the area or have had changes in their enrollment. As a result, the school is rebuilding enrollment and managing a financial shortfall as it recovers.

Hawthorn Montessori School is a longtime, community-rooted nonprofit preschool. Started by Katie Anderson six years ago, our school grew from a dream of creating an affordable, equitable Montessori early learning program "to nurture the light in every child and encourage it to shine.” Together, we have created a beloved program that welcomes all families by accepting childcare vouchers and providing tiered tuition rates. We have supported 81 local children over the past few years and have become a community institution relied on and trusted by local parents.

Today, we are asking friends, family and those from across the country who are looking for some tangible way to make a difference in this historic disaster to consider investing in the recovery of Hawthorn Montessori School and our support of our community.

All funds donated are tax deductible and will be used to support school operations and financial recovery. There are many expenses not covered by unemployment assistance and grants for nonprofit schools are few. With a lean nonprofit budget and a mission to serve and support every family, Hawthorn needs you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering a gift to help recover from the devastation and trauma of this storm and rise up stronger than ever with our community.

With love and gratitude,

Katie and Dianna
Hawthorn Montessori School

Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery for Hawthorn Montessori