Local Republicans collecting donations for North Carolina
COVENTRY — In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, North Carolina is struggling to recover. Northeastern Connecticut has come together to help.
The Chair of the Coventry Republican Town Committee, John French, put together a 26-town coalition by utilizing the Republican chairs of the 35th and 29th Senate districts as well as the 8th district State Representative.
"While our state is one of the smallest, Connecticut has a reputation for leadership and action. I felt the area needed to do something for the hurricane victims in the Northwest Carolina region," French said.
A Humanitarian Relief Drive is underway, and everyone is encouraged to donate items, including toys for children. Supplies for pets and animals are also welcome.
Donations can be water, trash bags, clothes, shoes, diapers, baby formula, blankets, paper towels, batteries, lanterns, nonperishable food, shovels, rakes, flashlights and much more.
Donors can also donate money that will go toward bottled water and for local charities. Personal checks can be made out to "We the People," the North Carolina disaster relief organization that French is working with.
"Using our organization of town political committees, we see an opportunity to use them as a way for our 26 towns to respond to the catastrophic events in North Carolina," French said. "Each town in the Connecticut Senate districts 35th and 29th and the House 8th district has the opportunity to join in and organize donations for the victims of Hurricane Helene."
Several regional drop-off and collection locations have already volunteered, including: Ackert Electric, 1265 Main St, Coventry; 1 Vanilla Bean Cafe, 450 Deerfield Road, Pomfret; and Miller Brothers Self Storage, 801 Windham Road, South Windham.
"When we can take action to help others in a time of need, it is the wonderful people in our small towns that make the difference," State Rep Tim Ackert said.
"Pomfret is a close-knit town, and stepping up to help others in need is something we all understand and support. We are glad to help," said Brian Jessurun, owner of the Vanilla Bean.
The supplies will be transported to North Carolina as soon as possible, once a full load has been collected.
