Whether or not they’re on the clock, first responders instinctively show up to help when there’s trouble. That’s why shortly after Hurricane Helene, members of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, made of mostly retired New York-area firefighters, showed up in Asheville with supplies. During that trip, they serendipitously met Cane Creek Middle School PTA president Sandi Boyer, who was gathering supplies for the school resource room for families in need.
“They wanted my number and told me they wanted to come back for the holidays. They kept their promise, and it’s amazing,” she said, standing in the Cane Creek gym surrounded by tables of new toys and about two dozen Tunnel to Towers volunteers.
The group returned to produce the Season of Hope Toy Drive last weekend. Boyer mobilized PTA and student volunteers at Cane Creek and other schools to help the foundation set up toy distribution sites at both Cane Creek and Asheville Middle schools, open to any family.
“This is the best part, seeing these kids come in, see Santa, and see their eyes light up when they realize this is for them,” said retired firefighter Mike Regan. He’s been volunteering with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for ten years now. “It’s such a gift to me to give back to this community, just like so many in this community supported us so many years ago on 9/11.”
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation gets its name from the story of firefighter Stephen Siller, who ran through the New York Battery Tunnel in 60 pounds of gear to get to the World Trade Center after hearing a plane had struck the building. He lost his life working to rescue others. Stephen’s brother Frank would later start the foundation to honor his heroic brother’s legacy and bring aid and comfort to those in need.
The event featured free gourmet sandwiches grilled up by the Rothrock Foundation, which has been operating in mobile kitchens to aid in recovery efforts around the region.
“We know there are families that have suffered loss,” said Regan. “This is a day we hope has helped families heal a bit, giving parents the same joy we’ve gotten seeing the kids’ smiling faces.”
