ROCKINGHAM – In order to provide assistance to those in Western North Carolina who have been impacted by the devastating flooding that Hurricane Helene may have produced, many relief activities are currently being organised around Richmond County.
A cooperation between the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen Area Convention and Visitors Bureau was announced by Meghann Lambeth, the Director of Tourism for Richmond County, on Saturday. The purpose of this relationship is to gather supplies that will be brought to the mountains.
Since the demand for donations is expected to continue for an extended period of time, our objective is to collaborate in order to find the most time-efficient manner to transport the goods from this location to the western region of the state, as stated by Lambeth. “In times like these, our county always steps up and shows out,” said the county’s representative. “Our county has a historically resilient spirit.”
A list of the materials that were required was included in the image that was uploaded by Lambeth.
A tractor-trailer is currently parked at Bostick BP and Towing in Hoffman, and the company has hired a driver to deliver the products once the tractor-trailer is at capacity.
On Monday, Bostick BP announced on social media that monetary donations were utilised to purchase more than seventy tarps and eleven pairs of socks for those who were affected by the flood.
Several additional local companies are acting as drop-off locations, including the following:
- Rockingham Dragway
- Rockingham Speedway
- The Berry Patch
- Rockingham Fire Department
- Hamlet Visitor’s Center
- Hamlet Depot & Museums
- Hamlet City Hall
- City of Rockingham Parks & Recreation
- Derby Fire Department
- Drop a Box
- Tina Miller State Farm Insurance Agent
- Bostick BP & Towing
- Richmond Observer
Additionally, on Monday, Commissioner Jason Gainey said that the county will be collaborating with Richmond County Schools and Sandhills Best Care in order to gather water for the people living in the Boone area.
Gainey shared his thoughts by saying, “If you haven’t been keeping up with the news, it appears as though a nuclear bomb has gone off in Western North Carolina.” “We are merely requesting that each and every individual… donate one case of water if you are able to.”
According to Gainey, other things, such as toothpaste and peanut butter, will also be accepted; nevertheless, he stated that “water is the number one need.”
A transfer truck that will be loaded with water will be sent by Superior Cranes to Richmond Senior High School on Tuesday and Wednesday. The vehicle will be parked next to the field house as it is being loaded.
“At this point, students and families have the opportunity to lend a hand,” the speaker said. Gainey stated that it does not matter who you are; you are able to contribute to the goal of meeting the needs in Western North Carolina.
Dr. Joe Ferrell, the superintendent of the school district, stated that a number of schools, including Mineral Springs Elementary, the Ninth Grade Academy, Rockingham Middle, and East Rockingham Elementary, are each organising their own supply drives.
According to Gainey, Richmond County Schools will be sending a filled activity bus, and Richard McRae will also be sending a gasoline truck, which will be making a second delivery. Both of these vehicles will be sent by Richard McDonald.
Around four in the morning on Thursday, the convoy will depart and make its way to Watauga County.
In the event that they do not return after that, Gainey stated that they will make another expedition.
A graphic including a list of items was also distributed by Black’s Tyre and Auto Service in Rockingham, which also made the announcement that it will be collecting supplies.
In a press release issued on September 29, Governor Roy Cooper stated that “the people in western North Carolina are hurting from this devastating storm and we are all working to get resources to people as fast as we can.” The statement was made in conjunction with the announcement that President Joe Biden had granted a major disaster declaration for 25 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
An additional statement made by Cooper was that “we have deployed rescue teams, transportation crews, water, mobile kitchens and more.” “This is going to be a recovery that takes a long time, and this declaration from the federal government will help us respond.”
More than five hundred members of the National Guard have been sent out to aid in search and rescue operations, as well as to supply supplies and repair infrastructure, as stated by the office of the governor.