HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) - A new group of volunteers, Weirton Cares, sent a second truck full of supplies and messages of encouragement to North Carolina Tuesday morning as thousands of families continue to recover from the devastating damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
Mike Pulice started the group, Weirton Cares, back in September when Hurricane Helene caused unbelievable devastation in North Carolina.
He explained some supplies that have been sent down get lost or destroyed when stored improperly.
“Products like food, it gets mixed up with the household cleaners like Clorox, which is dangerous. So, we came up with an idea to go over and sort it first.”
Mike Pulice | Founder, WEirton Cares
On Sunday, Oct. 28, a group of about 15 people including veterans, retirees, Girl Scouts and Weirton High School students helped organize and collect supplies at the Weirton Events Center.
“We made this little factory with everybody's help, not me, everybody. And this is all about the community.”
Mike Pulice | Founder, WEirton Cares
Some supplies on their way to North Carolina include toiletries, clothes, food, household cleaning products, dog and cat food, diapers and other everyday items people need.
All of these supplies were donated by Weirton residents and surrounding communities.
Paula Myers, a member of Weirton Cares, says this truck is also full of positive messages of encouragement from the Ohio Valley.
“We got little notes. It was a surprise, and it made me cry almost, because of the notes we got in the bags. [Said things like] God bless you, you're stronger, you know, have hope. And those things just touch your heart when you read it because somebody just took their time, put a little drawing in there from their child.”
Paula Myers | Member, WEirton Cares
{***Paula Myers | Member, WEirton Cares***}
Space in the Weirton Events Center was donated by the Top of WV to help store and organize supplies.
Rachel Keeney, Director of Top of WV, says it's exciting to see the community come together in this way.
“We're just very excited that the community was coming together to help make a difference and that we were able to have them use our space to be able to organize and sort and then easily get the trucks loaded and sent down to help.”
Rachel Keeney | Director, Top of WV
Weirton Rental Center donated the truck, gas, and other equipment to help volunteers get supplies prepared and loaded.
Donations still needed include propane heaters, propane small tanks, chainsaws with oil and chains, generators, gas cards, small all-weather tents, new winter gear, new toboggans, new blankets and new winter clothes.
To stay updated on Weirton Cares, please follow their Facebook page by tapping or clicking here.