UNCW volunteers give back through annual Wings Up for Wilmington

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — UNCW students, faculty and staff are giving back to the community this weekend while remembering how the Wilmington area came together following Hurricane Florence in 2018.

The service is part of UNCW’s annual “Wings Up for Wilmington,” which brings members of the university community together to volunteer with local organizations.

On Friday, 18 volunteers helped at the Diaper Bank of North Carolina, placing diapers and baby wipes into care packages for distribution.

UNCW volunteers also spent time at the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina and D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy.

Julie Bowling, branch director for the Diaper Bank of North Carolina, said the annual event began following Hurricane Florence and continues to recognize the community spirit that emerged after the storm.

“I think it’s just a great way for the community to remember how everybody came together,” Bowling said. “And it really, it didn’t matter who you were, where you were from, what your background or circumstances were. Everyone just really pulled together and collaborated to make a big impact and to help all those around them.”

The Diaper Bank distributes supplies through nonprofit partners and its mobile “Essentials Hub,” which takes products directly into local neighborhoods.

For UNCW freshmen Samirya Carter and Harmonie King, volunteering at the Diaper Bank offered an opportunity to serve the community beyond campus.

“Just to gain experience and just serve the community in other ways then just being on campus,” they said. “I feel like it helps you gain a new perspective and open your eyes. Get involved in your community you might not want to but it will really help you in the long run and teach you lots of lessons that can help you later in life.”

Wings Up for Wilmington continues Saturday, with more UNCW students, faculty and staff volunteering with community organizations.