LVC Students Help Hurricane Helene Survivors During Fall Break Trip

Fall break is meant to give students a chance to rest, reset, and come back strong, according to Sarah Bartz, Director of Academic Success at Lebanon Valley College. Brian Boyer '26, a Business Administration and Marketing double major, obviously didn't heed these words of wisdom. 

When Category 4 Hurricane Helene hit the U.S. on Sept. 26, Boyer was torn about traveling to help due to numerous concerns, not the least of which was the shape of the family's Suburban, which needed tires and new brakes, among other issues.  

While lying in bed wide awake that Sunday night and seeing images of the devastation people were experiencing in his mind, he decided God was sending him a message to "go for it." He texted family and friends about the possibility, not knowing what to expect upon awakening the next morning.  

"The response was overwhelming and inspirational," said Boyer, who has made several trips since the inaugural excursion with good friend Bailey Gearhart, a fellow member of Shabbat Group PA. "The initial response was incredible, and it's only grown since for the following trips to North Carolina. We've received supplies and financial support from the Shabbat Group and sister congregations, Hebron United Methodist Church, Mrs. Tiffany's 5th-grade class at Northern Lebanon, and Lebanon Valley College's students, staff, and culinary services company, Metz, and many others. 

"Random people were offering to pay for items when I was buying supplies in Walmart, and one gentleman paid for my oil fluid and transmission oil, then also threw in two new front tires," added Boyer, who has been making trips between classes and exams since fall break. "The folks at the tire shop decided to give me four new tires for less than the price of two, putting the extra money toward new brakes. Everyone's generosity has been surreal, including my classmates in a night class who pitched in hundreds of dollars for supplies." 

Boyer and his fellow charitable travelers, including some of the owners of the Corvette Grille in Annville, are working closely with officials who are directing them to support people outside the primary population areas.  

"While there were so many incredibly sad stories of people losing their lives, homes, and livelihoods, there were also countless hopeful stories of people being more concerned about sharing our goods with their neighbors, even though they had little or no food," said Boyer. "The people's kindness and compassion for others deepened my faith. However, their lives will be affected for a long time, so we need to continue to support them long after the spotlight fades away."