Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,

I cannot tell you how grateful I am that TSC and our service district escaped the worst of Hurricane Helene last week. Unfortunately, our neighboring counties to the east have not been so lucky. They have been hit with three hurricanes in just thirteen months – Idalia in August 2023, Debby in August 2024, and now Helene. Many of you have no doubt seen the pictures and video of the devastation left by this most recent storm that many are calling one of the worst natural disasters in our nation’s history.

First and foremost, if you live in any of those counties and were impacted, please contact my office at TSCpres@tsc.fl.edu with any needs you may have so we can connect you with the right College or community resources to help. Students can also contact Student Services directly at DOS@tsc.fl.edu for anything from counseling services and discounted bus passes to access to Talon’s Market. You are our top priority and I want to make sure we are doing everything we can to help you.

Second, the College will be sending out shipments of non-perishable food items and cleaning products to our sister Florida College System institutions, particularly North Florida College and Florida Gateway College, to help stock their pantries. Their students, faculty and staff have all been impacted by the hurricane and these Colleges have expressed a need for these items. TSC is happy to help.

Additionally, many of you have already reached out to ask how you can help. I would recommend the following:

• The Association of Florida Colleges – TSC Chapter is hosting a supply drive for impacted FCS institutions. Donations of toiletries, cleaning supplies, non-perishable food items and gift cards will be accepted by Chapter President Jessie Clayton in the Learning Commons, Room 164 until the end of the day this Friday, Oct. 4.
• Donate to the TSC Foundation Eagle Relief Fund to help our students in need: https://www.tsc.fl.edu/about/college/tsc-foundation/ways-to-give/donate-now/
• Donate to the United Way of Florida’s Disaster Recovery Fund: https://www.uwof.org/disaster-recovery-fund

It is times like these when I am reminded of what matters most. While I am certainly thankful that our College is able to serve as a partner of choice for our community, I am even more thankful for the community itself—always uniting to support those in need.