Several schools and organizations are stepping up to assist students and families in need after the severe damage left by Hurricane Florence.

Rotary Club / YMCA

Albemarle Rotary Club and the Stanly County Family YMCA in Albemarle have coordinated a campaign to gather items.

YMCA Director George Crooker said a truck — through Crook Motor Company and Honeycutt Trucking — will be stationed at the YMCA in Albemarle to store items such as water, canned goods and hygiene products.

Pfeiffer women’s volleyball head coach Melissa Ferris and her team visited the truck on Wednesday, assisting with donation collections.

“It’s just important for us to realize there is more to life than volleyball and give back to people who are in need at the time,” Ferris said. “I’m very thankful they have the hearts to give.”

Ferris spoke highly of her team and its effort to help others.

“They’re awesome, but I didn’t need them to volunteer to tell me that,” Ferris said. “They have great hearts and are good people. I’m thankful to be a part of this program.”

If the truck is not open, Crooker said to bring items into the YMCA for storage. He anticipates the first delivery east will happen early this week. Call 704-982-1916 for more information.

Run/Walk 5K

Vac & Dash, along with the Uwharrie Running Club, Stanly County Family YMCA and the Stanly County Chapter of the American Red Cross, will host the Hurricane Florence Relief Run/Walk 5K at 6 p.m. Sunday.

The run will begin and end at the old entrance to the Stanly County Family YMCA.

Individuals can register online at runsignup.com or at Vac & Dash.

Packet pick-up and event day registration will begin at 5 p.m. at the YMCA at the First Street entrance.

Proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross Stanly County Chapter for Hurricane Florence Relief Fund.

The Stanly County Chapter of the American Red Cross has depleted its water supplies. The one item it needs is cases of water, so donations of water will be accepted at the run.
The goal is to raise $5,000 and 200 cases of bottled water for the American Red Cross – Stanly County Chapter for Hurricane Florence Relief.

For more information, call Vac & Dash at 704-983-3274.

Stanly County Schools

Norwood Elementary teacher Trish Valentino said first graders are creating small care packages for displaced students in shelters.

Packages will include a composition notebook, a workbook, pencils, crayons, a Capri Sun juice pouch and a package of Lance crackers.

“As a school, we will be collecting basic school supplies for the many schools that have been affected,” she added, mentioning items such as composition notebook, spiral notebooks, backpacks, pencils, scissors, colored pencils and crayons.

West Stanly Middle principal Jennifer Huneycutt reports students and staff are collecting travel size items to help hurricane survivors.

At Locust Elementary, fifth grade teacher Wendy Tucker said students are promoting a Colts Who Care hurricane relief project.

“Many schools have been flooded and as a result, have lost many of their supplies needed for day to day instruction,” read a handout sent home to parents Friday. “Our goal is to help teachers and students to replace some of the things they need to be successful in school. We will be collecting basic daily school supplies, books and monetary donations. We would love for you to help us in our efforts.”

The school will accept new paper (composition books, copy paper, journals), pencils, erasers, pens, glue sticks, markers, colored pencils, crayons, plastic folders/binders and books.

“We are collecting new and slightly used books to help replenish teacher’s classroom libraries,” the handout continued.

Money will also be accepted.

Items will be collected Sept. 24 through Oct. 4.

South Stanly High’s Student Council began trying to “make a change” by asking for change.

“It’s a great way to raise money because everyone has spare change just lying around, and it feels good to know we are helping other people,” said Taryn Tucker, student body president.
The first day of collection garnered more than $80.

Advisors Kristi Hedrick, Angela Preslar and Erica Tucker encouraged students to understand the importance of how a little change can make a “huge change in someone’s life.”

Other schools had already started fundraisers or were in the planning stages as of Friday.

Other Endeavors

Girl Scout Troop 1417 is assisting nursing home residents who have been moved from eastern North Carolina to Bethany Woods. The troop will collect items such as toiletries, soap and deodorant from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at New London United Methodist Church.

City Wide Exterminating in Locust has an enclosed trailer available for items through Friday.

Medical Pharmacy of Locust has coordinated a dropoff site in the Food Lion of Locust parking lot from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

The Stanly News & Press will provide other ways with Hurricane Florence relief to help as they become available.

Have a story idea? Contact B.J. Drye at 704-982-2123, bj.drye@stanlynewspress.com or follow bjdrye1 on Twitter.