Sep 27

Sep 27 Jones County, Hearts With Hands, distribute care packages across community

Volunteers put care packages together at the Jones County Civic Center. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

TRENTON | Help is on the horizon for those in Jones County in need of supplies.

The Hearts With Hands organization from Asheville has teamed up with Jones County officials to send boxes of needed supplies to those affected by Hurricane Florence. Since Sept. 20, volunteers have been able to ship thousands of care packages containing cleaning products, toiletries, non-perishable items, and other necessary supplies on a daily basis.

“It’s good that we’ve been able to set up the boxes and have them sent off to different distribution areas to assist those (in need),” Hearts With Hands director Greg Lentz said. “The (local volunteers and officials) know the area, they know the students and they know where help is needed the most — we just put the boxes together and we’re thankful for the donations from the community and surrounding areas.”

Dozens of volunteers have stepped up to assist, including Trenton Elementary teacher Taffy Jones, who said it has been amazing what the community has done in order to assist others.

“It’s hard to put into words the outpouring of supplies and support (coming from) in and out of state,” Jones said. “There are people who have lost so much — some even coming out to volunteer — and it’s been amazing how the community has come together to help each other in such a difficult time.”

Susan Riggs, a tax collector for Jones County, said volunteering means a lot to her.

“My whole life, I wanted to help people,” Riggs said. “I wanted to be in social services and went to school for it, so being able to assist is something I’ve loved doing.”

Winterville resident Amber Carter said she came to fulfill a need and also check on loved ones.

“My family is local and I know there are a lot of people with a great need here,” Carter said. “In the Greenville and Winterville area, there’s more (of a return to) normalcy after the storm but I know that’s not the same here, so I wanted to help.”

Those wishing to volunteer can visit the Jones Senior Civic Center in Trenton from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday through Friday.