WILMINGTON — The non-profit group United Cajun Navy Carolinas is holding a supply drive this week with the hopes of delivering supplies to Louisana residents struggling to recover from Hurricane Laura.
The UCN Carolinas is collecting specific supplies instead of a more general collection of clothing and canned foods. The organization is also accepting online donations.
UCN Carolinas is collecting:
- PPE (masks and hand sanitizer)
- Baby formula, diapers, and wipes
- Chainsaw supplies — bar oil, sharpening multi-tools, repair kits
- Mold-cleaning supplies (bleach, vinegar, etc)
- Note: UCN is not collecting any food or clothing.
UCN Carolins will be collecting supplies on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The collection location is the Lutheran Church of Reconciliation at 7500 Market Street in Porters Neck.
Natalie Johnston, assistant director for UCN North and South Carolina, said the UCN volunteers in the Wilmington area were eager to help repay those from Louisiana (home of the United Cajun Navy) who put in thousands of hours of work throughout the Cape Fear region after Hurricane Florence in 2018. Johnston noted that the specific donation items UCN Carolins is looking for were based both on Covid-19 safety concerns and the needs of those in Lousiana.
Those making drop-offs are asked to wear PPE and maintain social distancing. Drop-off will be as contactless as possible and drivers are asked to stay in their vehicles.
UCN plans to depart with donations to Baton Rouge on Thursday night.
Those who want to contribute can also donate through an ‘Amazon Wish List,’ which is set up to deliver directly to UCN’s Baton Rouge warehouse. UCN staff in Lousiana will distribute it to storm survivors from there. Monetary donations can also be made to UCN through its national website.
Johnston noted that, as 501(c)3 organization, UCN Carolins can provide receipts for all donations, making them tax-deductable.
