This fall’s intense Atlantic hurricane season devastated many communities in the U.S. and Caribbean. Though Swannanoa was spared direct effects from the storms, employees at one of our local businesses were working overtime to help meet the demand for blankets for hurricane victims in other areas. NonWovens of America, housed in the same plant as National Wiper Alliance on Warren Wilson College Road, has a long-time contract to make all blankets for the American Red Cross.

According to a September story on WLOS-TV, NonWovens ran two shifts to keep up with demand for the blankets, which are made from recycled plastic bottles and imprinted with Red Cross logos. The company was shipping a truckload of blankets a day to hurricane-devastated areas. Company president Jeff Slosman told WLOS: “It’s nice to be a part of helping out. The blanket is a symbol for the Red Cross, of hope. And we’ve heard stories from people who use them that having that blanket truly helps out.”

Swannanoa has a long history of providing comforting blankets to those in need. During WWII, Swannanoa’s Beacon Mill made blankets that were issued to thousands of soldiers fighting in the war.