Dewey pitches in to help Hurricane Florence victims
A town well-versed in the effects of flooding is pitching in to help victims of Hurricane Florence.
Dewey Beach Town Clerk Ashleigh Hudson said Town Hall staff contacted nonprofit organizations in North Carolina to see how Dewey could help and compiled a list of needed items.
Requested donations include food, hygiene and household items, cleaning and first-aid supplies. Items will be collected at Town Hall, 105 Rodney Ave., until 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 28. A full list of items needed is on the town website.
Hudson said she and co-worker Kate Banaszak will leave Dewey Thursday, Oct. 4, to drive donations to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.
She said the town held a donation drive in September 2017 for victims of Hurricane Harvey after it made landfall in Houston. “The 15-foot U-Haul we drove was packed to the brim,” she said. “I am hoping we need an even bigger U-Haul this time.”
Hudson said of last year’s drive, “It was so humbling to see how generous our community is. Living in a coastal community, we never know when we could be the ones in need. We should extend our hands to others in need during situations such as this.”
Dewey is living up to its dog-friendly reputation by helping four-legged friends displaced by the hurricane. Taj Ma Howl owner Jim Caperelli said he is working with Brandywine Valley SPCA in Georgetown to collect pet supplies and showcase adoptable dogs.
Caperelli said the Delaware Animal Response Team brought 100 dogs and 100 cats from North Carolina shelters to Brandywine Valley SPCA Sept. 17, with more on the way. Staff will evaluate the animals and provide any needed medical care before placing them for foster care or adoption in temporary shelters throughout the area, he said.
Once medically cleared, adoptable dogs will be displayed at Taj Ma Howl during business hours, when donations are also accepted. “We need blankets, towels, toys, food or money donations as well,” Caparelli said. “We’ve had tons of responses; people are driving from Pennsylvania and Wilmington to drop off supplies. All donations will be turned over to Brandywine Valley SPCA.”
Taj Ma Howl is at 1705 Coastal Highway in Dewey between Dagsworthy and McKinley avenues, bayside. Call 302-988-4186.
