UNION COUNTY, N.C. — South Piedmont Community College is hosting a "Hurricane Relief Massage Therapy Fundraiser" to help families impacted by Helene. 

What You Need To Know

  • SPCC is launching a fundraising event to benefit those impacted by Helene

  • Students in the massage therapy program will provide massage treatments to community members 

  • A minimum $25 donation is required for the massage services

  • All proceeds from the event will go toward Helene recovery 

On Monday, SPCC students in the massage therapy program will provide community members 45-minute massages. 

A minimum $25 donation is required for the massage treatments with all proceeds being donated to the North Carolina Disaster Relief to support the Helene recovery.

In a press release, Massage Therapy Program Director Elan Schacter said the students came together following Helene wanting to do something to help their western neighbors. 

"They decided they could put their massage skills to work to benefit our neighbors to the west,” said Schacter in the release. "By signing up for a 45-minute massage, you’ll not only be helping those impacted by Helene, but you’ll also help our students build their skills and realize the positive difference they can make for others.”

Melissa McLaughlin is a student in the massage therapy program. She said pursuing this field is giving her an opportunity to make a difference.

"This is something fulfilling a passion in my life," McLaughlin said. "My previous job didn't fulfill that passion."

McLaughlin says the devastation caused by Helene has been weighing on her and classmates' hearts. 

"A lot of us have friends, family, relatives [in WNC], just because it is such a close area, and we want to be able to help them and we feel helpless. This is a way we can help them and not feel helpless," she said.

Student Lin Ringeling says this fundraiser speaks to what their profession is all about. 

"The essence of massage therapy is helping other people," Ringeling said. "When we heard that people close to us are experiencing extreme tragedy and we're here safe, we figured there is something we can do about it."

Massage treatments will be taking place from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday at South Piedmont’s Old Charlotte Highway campus, located at 4209 Old Charlotte Highway in Monroe.

The college said participants can pay by check, card or cash at the Business Office, located on the campus.

Appointments are required. You can schedule a session by applying at: https://tinyurl.com/4rarkhc9

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