More Than Business: Eaton's Response to Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene tested the resilience of Western North Carolina in ways few had ever imagined. Families found themselves drawing strength to support loved ones. Neighbors, many meeting for the first time, shared everything they had. Businesses stepped up to support their employees and communities in unprecedented ways. As one of the largest natural disasters to impact the U.S. since Hurricane Katrina, Helene devastated WNC's mountains and riverways, presenting a challenge unlike any before.

Yet, in the face of such adversity, the people of Appalachia once again demonstrated the boundless power of community. Across Western North Carolina, acts of compassion and solidarity unfolded, with countless individuals and organizations exceeding all expectations. Among these inspiring efforts, the contributions of Eaton Corporation stood out as they worked to show Buncombe County what corporate responsibility and community care look like.

Eaton Team

Eaton Corporation, a global corporation with two factories in Buncombe County, responded with urgency and understanding. Recognizing the magnitude of the disaster, Eaton’s national headquarters acted swiftly to support their employees and families. Truckloads of food and essential supplies arrived without delay. Clothing soon followed, and as soon as running water was restored at the local factories, Eaton opened their showers to employees and their extended families, ensuring their immediate needs were met.

But Eaton’s commitment didn’t stop there. True to their values, once their own team was taken care of, they turned their attention outward, to the community they call home. Their financial contributions to Buncombe County’s recovery were significant, but their actions spoke volumes as well.

Employees Giving Back

Eaton’s local employees felt a deep call to give back. Redistributing the supplies they received, they organized a drive to create snack packs for local students. Volunteers packed each bag with care, including handwritten notes of encouragement. These thoughtfully prepared packs provided children with enough sustenance for the weekend, embodying Eaton's commitment to supporting the next generation. Any surplus from this effort was entrusted to United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (UWABC), ensuring these resources reached community partners engaged in ongoing recovery efforts.

As long-standing partners of UWABC, Eaton sought further opportunities to extend their reach. Together, we facilitated connections between Eaton employees from across the nation and local recovery groups like Appalachia Community Cares. At donation centers, Eaton volunteers didn’t just distribute supplies—they built connections. The warmth and camaraderie shared between employees and community members transformed what could have been a routine task into an experience filled with laughter, empathy, and mutual support.

Mark McDonald of Eaton Corporation reflected on their approach: “We want the communities we live in to be vibrant. We bring ideas and skills to help make them better.” This sentiment encapsulates Eaton’s belief that corporate success is intertwined with community well-being.

Building a Culture of Care and Connection

For Eaton and UWABC, supporting vibrant and diverse communities means creating opportunities for engagement and volunteerism. Eaton understands that giving back fosters deeper connections and strengthens the social fabric. Their employees are not just workers—they are neighbors, friends, and community members. By investing in the places they live and work, Eaton demonstrates that corporate responsibility extends beyond business—it’s about building a foundation of care and resilience.

At UWABC, our role is to facilitate these connections, ensuring that donations and volunteer efforts have a meaningful impact. Together with partners like Eaton, we’re helping to weave a stronger, more connected community—one where everyone can thrive, even in the face of adversity.

Through compassion, action, and partnership, Eaton Corporation exemplifies what it means to rise to the occasion. Their commitment serves as a reminder that when we come together, we can build a brighter, more resilient future for Western North Carolina.