Red Cross offers free meals to Pender County flood victims

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The American Red Cross is serving meals to Pender County flood victims at Gateway Community Church today until 6 p.m.

Gateway Community Church, located at 416 W. Bridger in Burgaw, is serving as a distribution center for residents affected by flooding from Hurricane Matthew.

“Our residents need cleaning supplies and dry goods,” said Ted Mercer, pastor at Gateway Community Church. “We do not need clothing donations at this time.”

Donations of packages of underwear and bottled water are welcomed.

Flood victims can visit the distribution center at Gateway Community Center Mondays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Pender County Schools is currently collecting items for families within the school district. Items such as school supplies, canned goods, paper products and personal hygiene products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoos, etc. are needed for school families. Donated items may be dropped off at the schools, at Piggly Wiggly, Food Lion, or the Wilmington Box Company.

“Pender County has come together to help their neighbors,” said Tom Collins, Pender County Emergency Manager. “The response has been swift and much appreciated.”

Pender County Emergency Management will post updates on the Facebook page at facebook.com/penderem and on the website http://www.penderem.com. If you need assistance call the EM office at 910- 259-1210.