Steven Lawson helped facilitate relief efforts at ‘The Matchbox’ in Trenton during Hurricane Florence last year with help from the Salvation Army, Red Cross and volunteers. Submitted photo

By Junious Smith III

Steven Lawson wanted to help his community during Hurricane Florence, and he’ll be recognized for his efforts.

Lawson will receive the “Strength in the Community” award at the fourth annual Pillar of Strength awards banquet from the “Motivations” Talk Show. The Jacksonville-based operation is hosting the event Sept. 7 at the Infant of Prague Banquet Hall on 214 Marine Boulevard..

Lawson, with help from the Salvation Army, Red Cross and volunteers, helped turn “The Matchbox” at Jones Senior into a resource center during Hurricane Florence last year.

“We were able to gather plenty of resources for people who were going through the worst,” Lawson said. “We had a gym full of clothes, water, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bleach — really, anything that would help people out. We were able to partner with the Salvation Army, Red Cross, a couple of churches — there were a lot of great volunteers.”

Lawson was nominated by his former basketball coach at Jones Senior, Kendrick Pollock.

“It’s definitely an honor,” Lawson said. “Coach has known me forever and knew I wanted to come back to help the community during their time of need.”

Lawson is trying to help 12 players from his AAU team 7th Nation Warriors attend the event. Tickets are $45 each and Lawson said the players — who all volunteered during Hurricane Florence — want to participate in the festivities.

“It would (mean) everything,” Lawson said. “It also shows them that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed, even if you’re not looking for the credit.”

To assist in the fundraiser, contact Lawson at 916-513-5328.