KZ Recreational Vehicles Donates Trailers for Hurricane Relief Cleanup Efforts
Shipshewana, IN – In response to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene on North Carolina, KZ Recreational Vehicles, a leading manufacturer of recreational vehicles, has stepped up to provide crucial support to a volunteer team aiding in disaster relief efforts. On Friday, September 27th, Hurricane Helene brought historic rainfall, flooding, strong winds, and tornadoes to the state, causing significant damage, particularly in the western Appalachian region of North Carolina. In the aftermath, many families were left without homes, and local infrastructure was severely damaged.
Blue River Covenant Brethren Church (CBC) from Columbia City, IN, organized a volunteer trip to Watauga County, North Carolina, to support Samaritan’s Purse in assisting homeowners affected by the storm. However, the team was struggling with funding and temporary housing shortages, which threatened to derail their efforts.
KZ RV and its division Venture RV, was able to step in and offer a solution. Dave Boggs, General Manager of Venture RV, and Paul Gingerich, Quality Control Manager, who attends Blue River Covenant Brethren Church, discussed the challenges faced by the volunteer team and brainstormed ways to help. Boggs proposed offering KZ’s camping units, which are typically used for personal use by KZ employees and their families at a local campground during the summer months.
“The team faced quite a few challenges along the way,” said Paul Gingerich. “Every challenge they faced was always overcome, including vehicles donated to tow the campers, monetary donations for food and travel. The KOA campground, which was scheduled to close on October 30th, extended its closing date to November 2nd,to accommodate the volunteers. The way everything came together in such a short time was truly a miracle.”
With the approval of KZ’s leadership team, including Marlene Snyder, VP of Sales and Marketing, and Lynn Stutzman, Director of Operations, the company loaned two travel trailers to support the volunteer team’s efforts in North Carolina. Gingerich was tasked with overseeing communications and logistics with the volunteer group, and once all donations were secured, a team of 10 volunteers, including KZ employee David Miller, Plant 6, made their way to North Carolina in late October. The team spent three days helping with cleanup efforts, including mudding out homes and clearing trees.
“We are incredibly grateful to KZ RV and Venture RV for their generosity in providing the use of these trailers,” said Dave Kreider, Trip Coordinator for Blue River CBC. “These trailers made it possible for us to stay on site and continue our work with Samaritan’s Purse to help those affected by Hurricane Helene.”
The donation of these travel trailers highlights KZ RV’s commitment to community support and disaster relief. The volunteer team’s efforts have made a tangible impact on the lives of those affected by Hurricane Helene, and the trailers played a critical role in ensuring the volunteers had the resources they needed to carry out their work effectively.
To support ongoing relief efforts in North Carolina, donations and volunteers are still needed. Those who wish to contribute can do so through the following organizations:
For more information about KZ Recreational Vehicles and its award-winning product lines, visit www.kz-rv.com.
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For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
KZ Recreational Vehicles
Angelia Peterson
Director, Marketing Communications
[email protected]
260.768.2046
About KZ Recreational Vehicles:
KZ Recreational Vehicles, an operating company of THOR Industries, Inc., is headquartered in Shipshewana, Indiana, and was founded in 1972 on the principles of quality, fairness, courtesy, and integrity. KZ produces several widely recognized brands of recreational vehicles, including Connect, Durango, Sportsmen, Sportster X, and Ridgeway. For more information concerning KZ Recreational Vehicles and its products, please visit www.kz-rv.com, or call (888) 829-6320.