Generosity after a call for donations overwhelming

Editor,

On Thursday and Friday, October 4-5, a plea for help was issued to citizens of Worcester County to bring much needed supplies that were needed in North Carolina for towns that were ravaged by the remnants of hurricane Helene. Large amounts of rain, wind and horrific flooding literally wiped out small towns in the hills and valleys near Asheville, NC. Roads and bridges disappeared, homes, cars and businesses were washed away and many lives were lost in the disastrous conditions that sprang up so quickly. There was no electric, food, drinking water, wi-fi and most roads were impassible. News of the disastrous conditions were slow to come forward as there was basically very little means of communication.

As updates were reported, pleas went out for help for emergency services, rescue, utilities and basic every day needs for those who lost everything. Ocean Pines jumped in.

I am a volunteer at the Ocean Pines library and was happy to help receive and sort donations. I cannot tell you enough about the overwhelming response from people and businesses around Ocean Pines who so very generously donated in a matter of 24 hours half of a trailer load of diapers, food, dog and cat food, bottled water, medicine and medicinal needs, paper goods, buckets, shovels, baby food, snacks, canned goods, gloves, socks, bedding, eating utensils, Depends, flashlights, gloves, bug repellent and the list goes on.

On Friday afternoon the donated materials were loaded and early Saturday morning it was on the way to the unfortunate victims of the hurricane.

People and businesses of Ocean Pines, you deserve a huge pat on the back and many accolades for your compassion, generosity, kindness and efforts.  On behalf of those who are in a state of shock and despair, thank you, thank you, thank you. God bless all of you and know that someone is very thankful for your efforts and understanding.

Jim Meckley
(The writer is the president of Friends
of the Ocean Pines Library (FOPL)