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.

Here are the Points of Distributions in Jones County:

Comfort

Believer’s Fellowship, 3932 N.C. 41 West, Trenton, N.C.  28585

Contact: Joy Wynn 252-361-4610

Hargett’s Crossroads

Whaley’s Chapel, 8156 Hwy 41 West, Richlands, N.C. 28574

Contact: Ronnie Taylor 910-330-3818

Long Point

Davis Chapel, 9195 N.C. 58, Maysville, N.C. 28555

Contact: James Harper 910-330-6908

Maysville

First Baptist Church, 201 Main Street, Maysville, N.C. 28555

Contact: John Lewis 910-650-9400

Phillip’s Crossroads

Chinquapin Chapel, 1561 State Road 11298, Trenton, N.C. 28585

Contact: Tammy May 252-560-6971

Pollocksville

The Filling Station, 221 Main Street, Pollocksville, N.C. 28573

Contacts: Ronnie Huffman 252-670-0292 and Mary Ann Leray 252-671-7815

Trenton

Calvary Church, 110 N.C. Highway 41, Trenton, N.C. 28585

Contact: Clayton Pate 910-358-0992

Wyse Fork

Pilgrims Home Church, 5802 Wyse Fork Road, Dover, N.C. 28526

Contact: Jeff Burkett 252-527-7860 or 252-527-4152