PENDER COUNTY – The American Red Cross and Pender County Health and Social Services are setting up an extended shelter in a new location for the victims of recent Hurricane Matthew flooding.
Beginning Sunday at 5 p.m., the Burgaw Middle School shelter will close so that school may resume next week, according to Tom Collins, Pender County emergency manager. The new shelter will open at Riley’s Creek Baptist Church.
Sheltered animals will be cared for at the Pender County Animal Shelter for Riley’s Creek Baptist Church shelter residents.
The county is still seeking donations for those affected by the flooding. Donations for residents who were affected by flooding are being accepted at Gateway Community Church in Burgaw, 416 West Bridgers St., which is acting as a sanctioned distribution center.
Among the items being asked for at this time are cleaning supplies, dry goods, packaged underwear and bottled water. Clothing is not needed at this time, according to Ted Mercer, pastor at Gateway Community Church.
Flood victims in need of supplies can visit the church distribution center Mondays through Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pender County schools are currently collecting items for families within the school district. Items such as school supplies, canned goods, paper products and personal hygiene products, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoos, etc., are needed for school families.
Donated items for these families may be dropped off at the schools, at Piggly Wiggly, Food Lion, or the Wilmington Box Company.
“Pender County has come together to help their neighbors,” Collins said “The response has been swift and much appreciated.”
Pender County Emergency Management will post updates on its Facebook page and on its website. If you are in need of assistance, call Emergency Management at 910- 259-1210.
