Learning to do, Doing to learn, Earning to live, living to serve — the FFA motto. Since 1928, it has been taken to another level every day.
On Sept. 24, 2024, western North Carolina was struck with devastation. Hurricane Helene had hit close to home, tearing apart everything in its path. North Iredell FFA decided to take a step up during these challenging times and truly represent “Living to Serve.”
“In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, countless people rallied to help those devastated in western North Carolina and beyond. The North Iredell FFA chapter worked with numerous farmers and agribusinesses to help our neighbors and demonstrate living to serve,” North Iredell FFA Advisor Bill Walker said.
“We worked with local farmers to gather hay and other agricultural supplies at a central location. Some farmers in eastern North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Arkansas also donated items,” Walker added. “We housed square bales, feed, and other supplies in our barn at the school, whereas round bales were housed approximately one mile from the school at the Tomlin Mill Pullers track. We worked with other agricultural teachers, extension agents and other contacts to deliver materials as they were needed since storage was a big issue in the mountains.”
With the help of FFA Alumni, supporters and farmers, the chapter gathered five tractor-trailer loads of square bales—approximately 2,500 bales, over 500 round bales, 10 tons of feed, 500 t-posts, and other various fencing materials and animal and farm supplies.
Within the chapter, approximately 30 members picked up and stacked donated square bales, while over 500 members helped organize and distribute the donated materials.
We see the impact that “living to serve” has on the community, but how does “living to serve” impact the people involved?
“Living to serve has been something mentioned to me time after time while in my agricultural education classes as well as leadership positions in FFA. However, being given the opportunity to help those affected by Hurricane Helene gave me a whole new outlook on this piece of our motto,” Grace Baker, the North Iredell FFA reporter, said. “The disaster that took place hit close to home; hearing about the devastation in communities so near to me made the urge to help so much stronger. The effort made by our teachers, community and members to step up and help was so strong and motivated me to help others in any way possible.”
Taylor Knox, the Northwest regional president and North Iredell FFA president, said, “I got to experience firsthand what it means to live to serve. I was able to see the impact that my FFA chapter had on western North Carolina farmers. Our FFA members were eager to give back and work hard for those that had been affected by Hurricane Helene.”
Sam Cornett, the North Iredell FFA sentinel, said, “I was happy to help our state and see the impact it had on people who were struggling.”
“Living to Serve” not only affects the people around you, but it also changes your character and puts things in a real perspective by truly seeing what other people are facing.
North Iredell FFA didn’t do the work alone. Approximately 35 FFA Alumni and Supporters donated hay or feed, as well as numerous other farmers across the state and region. Tagging along on this effort was James River Equipment of Statesville, which donated the use of a 5075E John Deere tractor to assist in loading and unloading round bales of hay. Statesville Ag and Turf let them use their truck and trailer to deliver supplies and materials. Tomlin Mill Pullers allowed them to stage round bales of hay at their facility to distribute to farmers in need. K & K Transport donated trucking to deliver hay. All of these businesses have FFA Alumni who coordinated efforts to help the chapter.
North Iredell FFA truly demonstrated “living to serve” by stepping up and taking action in challenging times and selflessly assisting those in need.
