Disaster relief supply drives are popping up across ENC, collecting non-perishables to help western North Carolina get back on its feet after Hurricane Helene devastated the area.
New Bern residents have already started to bring supplies to City Hall, one of five donation drop-off locations for Hurricane Helene relief. The City of New Bern’s Public Information Officer, Colleen Roberts said it’s eastern North Carolina’s time to give back to the state.
“Eastern North Carolina knows how to respond in a disaster, and I think particularly now, we are all remembering Hurricane Florence from 2018 and all of the people and the organizations and the utility crews, and the first responders who came to help us during Hurricane Florence.
Roberts said the City of New Bern wants to make donating a no-nonsense matter.
“We are collecting supplies at five locations around the city, hoping to make it as easy as possible for people to donate.”
The five drop-off locations are New Bern City Hall, West New Bern Recreation Center, Pleasant Hill Community Center, New Bern Farmer’s Market and the National Night Out event held at Union Point Park.
“I think what’s most important about this drive is this one will be open until further notice. So, we’re hoping that we will get enough supplies to pack a tractor-trailer. If we’re going to take something that large up there, we want to make sure it’s full.”
From the City of New Bern's #HelpforHelene Initiative:
All donation drop-off facilities are open Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm unless otherwise noted.
- City Hall, 300 Pollock Street
- West New Bern Recreation Center, 1225 Pine Tree Drive
- Pleasant Hill Community Center, 424 NC 55 Hwy – donations accepted Monday through Friday from 4pm-6pm
- New Bern Farmer’s Market, 421 S. Front Street - donations accepted Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8am-5pm
- National Night Out, Union Point Park, 210 E. Front Street – supplies will be collected from 5pm-8pm during the National Night Out event
The following relief supplies will be accepted:
- Non-perishable and canned goods & snacks
- Bottled water & sports drinks
- Heavy duty trash bags & tarps
- Heavy duty work gloves
- Toilet paper & paper towels
- Hand sanitizer & sanitizing wipes
- Cleaning supplies
- Toiletries such as toothpaste & toothbrushes
- Baby food & diapers (adult diapers also accepted)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Bug spray & sunscreen
The following items WILL NOT be accepted:
- Clothing & bedding items
- Expired food
- Medication of any kind
- Flammable items
- Furniture
This supply drive will remain open until further notice.