Westport’s Rotary and Sunrise Rotary are joining other clubs in Connecticut to help another Rotary group in western North Carolina, as it aids victims of Hurricane Helen.
They’re asking “06880” readers to help too.
The collection is set for Tuesday (October 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Westport Stop & Shop).
Items needed include:
- Canned or packaged food with a long shelf life (especially cases of ramen, pasta and rice)
- Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels and plates, plastic utensils, feminine hygiene products)
- All types of batteries
- Pet food and cat litter
- Shelf-stable milk
- Bug spray
- Baby food, diapers, formula
- Hand-held can openers
- Disinfectant spray
- Over-the-counter meds
- First aid supplies
- Sports drinks
- Water (low priority)
Other items that are not available at Stop & Shop, but still needed, are:
Tools and equipment
- Heavy-duty extension cords
- Small generators
- Gas & diesel fuel (many residents are using their own equipment to push through roads, and are running out)
- Bar and chain oil for chainsaws
- 2-cycle fuel mix for chainsaws
- Chains and sharpeners
Other essentials
- Car batteries
- Propane
- Hay
- Starlinks
- Cots, tents, sleeping bags
Medical Supplies
- Tourniquets
- Medical scissors
- First aid kits
Once items are collected Tuesday at Stop & Shop, the trucks will be driven directly to Asheville, then distributed by the Rotary Club there.
North Carolina needs help. Westport’s Rotary Clubs are answering the call — with help from the rest of the town.