On Wednesday, October 26, 2016, WRAL-TV joined forces with Go Triangle, the United Way of the Greater Triangle and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport to collect needed items for those affected by Hurricane Matthew. Generous viewers filled three full-size buses and to large vans with items. That means they will have over one full busload to deliver to the three pre-determined stops in Rocky Mount, Wilson and Selma.
WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Lena Tillet and WRAL-TV Meteorologist Mike Maze put together the following story to share the great news with viewers:
Donations for Hurricane Matthew victims fill three ‘Storm Relief Buses’ in Raleigh
WRAL partners with GoTriangle, United Way and Raleigh-Durham International Airport to fill a bus with supplies to help Hurricane Matthew victims in Nash, Edgecombe, Wilson and Johnston counties.
While many families are only beginning to feel the extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew, people in Raleigh spent time Wednesday dropping off canned goods, cleaning supplies and toiletries that will be delivered to storm victims.
WRAL partnered with Go Triangle, United Way of the Greater Triangle and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport to fill the Go Triangle Storm Relief Bus that will get the critical items to those who need it.
Melanie Davis-Jones, senior vice president of community engagement at United Way, said she is grateful for the community’s support.
“What people donate today will go right into the hands of those who need it,” Davis-Jones said.
By Wednesday afternoon, the first Go Triangle Storm Relief Bus was full, and donations were being placed on a second bus.
The owner of a local company, Carolina Kettlechips, dropped off several boxes full of chips. He said his mother heard about the drive and told him to help.
Peggy Griffith, of Raleigh, said her home was devastated by tornadoes in 2011, and she knows what it is like to lose everything.
“I know that people need paper towels and tissues, and I was tornadoed out of my house and…I try to pay back every time I see something where people need it because I know how important it is,” Griffith said.
Carol Wood echoed that sentiment.
“It’s very easy for is to forget because life is so beautiful and normal up here, so yeah, we need to keep those reminders coming that yes, they may be back in town, but they might not be back in their homes and they still need this. They need help,” Wood said.
Donations were so plentiful, three buses and two vans were needed to hold the donations. The items will be distributed on Thursday.
Thanks to WRAL-TV’s Lena Tillet and Mike Maze and WRAL.com’s Natalie Matthews for this capcom story & photo.
