Perquimans residents asked to help out Rutherford County residents hard hit by Helene

HERTFORD — Perquimans County residents are being asked to help out residents of one of the western North Carolina counties hard hit by Hurricane Helene last week.

Perquimans County Emergency Services Director Jonathan Nixon noted Monday that residents of Rutherford County have great need for toilet paper; paper towels; plastic forks, knives and spoons; disposable plates; disinfectant wipes; prepackaged “nabs”; Granola bars; and Pop-tarts.

Nixon noted that Rutherford “holds a special link” to Perquimans because the county serves as a backup for the Perquimans-Gates 911 Center during emergencies.

“Today, we have the opportunity to support them,” he said. “In the wake of Hurricane Helene, this community finds itself in need of basic items to survive.”

Nixon asked residents to consider dropping donated items at either the Perquimans County Emergency Services at 159 Creek Drive, Hertford, or Perquimans County High School at Perquimans County High School at 305 S Edenton Road Street in Hertford.

He noted that the initial delivery to Rutherford County would be Monday, Oct. 7.

Rutherford is home to the following towns and cities: Bostic, Ellenboro, Forest City, Lake Lure, Ruth, Rutherfordton, Spindale and Chimney Rock.

Food Bank of the Albemarle and seven other food banks across the state are also accepting donations and other items for delivery to the state’s western counties hard hit by Helene.

In addition to non-perishable food, the food bank is also accepting donations of personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies. Food items preferably should be in pop-top, easy-to-open containers. The food bank cannot accept clothing or furniture

Items will be accepted during the food bank’s regular business hours, which are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about how to help, contact the food bank’s main line at 252-335-4035.

Gov. Roy Cooper is also encouraging donations to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to help communities recover from catastrophic damage caused by Helene.

“There is a massive effort underway to get help to the people of Western North Carolina including state and federal relief but we know there will be additional needs,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “If you’re able to give, please consider a donation to help North Carolinians as they clean up and recover from Helene.”

To donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate.

Donations can also be mailed to: NC Disaster Relief Fund, 20312 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-0312; or NC Disaster Relief Fund, c/o United Way of NC, 1130 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 100, Cary NC 27511.