DOVER PLAINS, N.Y.—A group in nearby Dover Plains, N.Y., is working to bring relief to North Carolinians devasted by recent flooding from Hurricane Helene.
Two truckloads of materials have already been dispatched to communities in the South and now the effort has shifted to purchasing specific items on wish lists compiled by Dover, N.Y., Town Clerk Tracy Treon Andersen.
Andersen said she posted the appeal on the Kent Community Page because “Kent is right in our backyard. It started with Dover and has become bigger.”
She explained that the drive began almost immediately after the storm and that a tractor trailer donated and driven by Patrick Pomekins of Dover left Monday, Oct. 13, for Bristol, N.C. It was followed by a smaller truck driven by Dover Councilman Jan Naluga, to Father’s Vineyard Church in Spindale, N.C.
“Patrick had posted a picture of his truck on Facebook and said he would donate its use if [people donated items],” Andersen said.
She approached Dover Recreation Director Julie Muncey to see if they could coordinate a drive. They approached the town supervisor, who approved, as did the town board.
“There was a bit of town involvement, but it was really a volunteer effort,” said Andersen.
Although the drive quickly accumulated needed items such as pallets of water, by the time the trucks pulled out, Andersen received a call saying those types of items were no longer needed.
“They are working with these tiny little communities that were just wiped out. By the time we do a drive, their needs could change,” she said.
So, she devised the plan for Amazon and Walmart wish lists.
“I told them, ‘Why don’t you tell us exactly what you need, and I will create the lists.’
“The items listed range from $5.84 for Dawn dish soap to $389 for generators,” she said. “We started Monday and I already have 29 donations. I just got a call today that they need cots. I listed it and I already have three.”
Andersen said she will continue to create the lists until the church advises her “that everyone is in a good spot.”
The items purchased online are shipped in two days directly to the church.
“Remember, there are no small acts of kindness,” she said, asking that Kent residents consider purchasing an item. To participate, go to:
https://www.amazon.com/regist…/gl/guest-view/170X9MJVLTDVL or https://www.walmart.com/…/e8e9ea26-ecb5-4985-8fbc…
