MOUNT OLIVE — The University of Mount Olive’s School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences has announced that it will continue to support western North Carolina as a relief drop-off site for supplies and materials.
“The overwhelming community need and support are the driving force behind our continued efforts,” said Edward Olive, Director of the Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center at UMO.
In partnership with Emerge Ministries and the Original Free Will Baptist (OFWB) Convention, UMO will collect and store much-needed hurricane Helene recovery supplies at its commodity building on Garner Chapel Road in Mount Olive.
“Once we have a full load, we will arrange transportation to western NC,” Olive said. “Many areas in Western NC are facing storage limitations. By using our commodity building as a central collection and sorting point for donated supplies, we can continue to serve and help our neighbors in a much-needed time and way.”
Olive and several members of the University’s School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences as well as Campus Ministries have volunteered in Western North Carolina, cooking meals, unloading trucks, and sorting and stacking supplies.
They are planning another trip in early November. Their eyewitness accounts of the devastation and their understanding of the urgent needs are driving forces behind their continued desire to serve.
The University is calling on the community to continue their support by donating items like non-perishable goods, cleaning supplies, blankets, extension cords, storage containers, water, hats, gloves, and hand warmers.
A complete list is below. Donations can be dropped off at the Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center at UMO or large quantity items at the commodity building located at 408 Garner Chapel Road in Mount Olive. Volunteers will sort, label, and stack the donations.
Additionally, the University is seeking transportation support. While one U-Haul has been sponsored, more transportation resources are needed to move supplies.
Community members or businesses with access to box trucks are encouraged to lend their assistance. Those interested in volunteering or offering transportation help can sign up at bit.ly/UMOHHRelief.
To offer transportation assistance, please email [email protected] or call (919) 658-7510.
“The University of Mount Olive, in partnership with the OFWB Convention and Emerge Ministries, is committed to providing relief to Black Mount Cragmont and other areas in Western North Carolina,” said Olive. “Together, we can make a difference.”
For more information, or to get involved, contact the University of Mount Olive School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. See below for a complete list of needed items:
IMMEDIATE NEEDS
- Individual desserts
- T-shirt bags
- Cutlery packets with fork, knife, and spoon
- Individual wax paper (easy pull box)
- Individual aluminum foil sheets (easy pull box)
- Deep dish disposable foil pans
- Large heavy-duty garbage bags
- Adult wipes
- Batteries – all sizes
- Dry Shampoo
- Winter Items (coats, hats, gloves)
- Trauma kits (should include bleeding control, bandages, splints, gloves, cold pack, emergency light, emergency blanket, tourniquet)
LONG TERM NEEDS
- Disposable Tyvex suits
- Safety glasses
- Long heavy-duty rubber gloves
- Rubber boots
- Cleaning gloves
- Mold killer
- Spray bottles
- Extension Cords
- Bibles
- Adult socks
- Box knives
- Hammers
- Flat pry bars
- Shovels – flat and scoop
- Garden Rakes
- Wheelbarrows
- Squeegees – floor and handheld
- Buckets – small and large
- Small scrub brushes
- Push brooms
- Box fans
- Dehumidifiers
- Moisture meter
- Shop vacs
- Mops
- Mop buckets
- Mop solution
- Small laundry detergent
- Large plastic totes
- Ensure (nutritional drinks)
- Propane heaters
- CO 2 detectors
- Grills
