Pender County first responders to be recognized during Hurricane Helpers Day

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — First responders across Pender County will be recognized Thursday as the county observes Hurricane Helpers Day.

The Pender County Board of Commissioners proclaimed Sept. 17, 2026, as Hurricane Helpers Day during its Sept. 8 meeting, according to the Burgaw Lions Club.

As part of Thursday’s observance, Lions Club members plan to visit the Pender County Sheriff’s Office, local EMS stations and fire stations across the county to deliver treats and thank first responders for their service.

The initiative is also connected to “Hurricane Helpers,” a children’s book written by Jim Brewster that tells the story of Pender County Sheriff’s Office personnel who volunteered to help communities in Western North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene.

The Burgaw Lions Club is sponsoring sales of the book as a fundraiser for local disaster preparedness and emergency readiness programs.

“When disaster strikes, our first responders step up — not just in our own backyard, but wherever help is needed, just as our Sheriff’s Office demonstrated in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene,” Burgaw Lions Club President Char McClain said. “Between the county proclamation on September 8, our station visits on September 17, and the Hurricane Helpers book fundraiser, we are proud to celebrate these heroes and build stronger disaster preparedness for our entire community.”

The Lions Club is also encouraging residents to use Hurricane Helpers Day as an opportunity to review their family storm plans.