Nantahala Outdoor Center is donating nearly $5,000 worth of paddling equipment for the recovery of injured military veterans.

The donation will benefit the Johnson City, Tenn., chapter of Team River Runner, a nonprofit organization established to help military personnel wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. NOC is donating an Ultimate Propel Kayak (pedal powered boat), an Ultimate Volt Kayak (battery powered boat), personal flotation devices and other miscellaneous paddling items.

Established in 2004 by kayakers in Washington, D.C., Team River provides military personnel an opportunity to heal from profound psychological and physical wounds by exploring the challenges of kayaking.

The Johnson City chapter has led 40 military veterans through its paddling program, teaching them kayaking skills as an avenue to aid in their physical and emotional recovery after being wounded.