LENOIR, NC (October 26, 2018) — Even though Hurricane Florence is only a dim remembrance of what could have been in Caldwell County, there are school districts in Eastern NC with closed signs still hanging on the doors. Students enrolled in Craven and Pender County Schools are slowly returning to schools that have been completely stripped of furnishings, resources, and necessary infrastructure, primarily due to mold. Some schools are questionable as to their future usability.
The Caldwell County School System has reached out to these two school districts, and they are in dire need of school supplies and items for students.
“Some families have lost everything and lived in schools that served as emergency shelters for two and three weeks,” said Superintendent Dr. Donald Phipps. “These schools have also undergone a complete overhaul.”
The Caldwell County Schools will be collecting the following for Craven County Schools and Pender County Schools until Oct. 30:
Backpacks – new or gently used and washed
Personal Care Items – shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc.
School Supplies – paper, pencils, pens, etc.
Gift Cards for teachers to restock their classrooms
New youth-sized coats
New youth-sized shoes
Each school will be a collection point, and there is a yellow school bus parked in front of the Education Center for the School Supply Drive. The Education Center is located at 1914 Hickory Blvd., Lenoir, which also serves as a primary collection point.
From Left: Sawmills students Indigo Hawkins, Eli Rash, and Vera Holden stand with school custodian Teresa Miller as they proudly display the boxes of school supplies donated to Craven and Pender School Districts.
“We feel fortunate that the storm did not severely impact our facilities and homes,” said Phipps, “and this gives us an opportunity to demonstrate goodwill and support to our coastal schools.”
from left: Samuel Sturgis, Vice President; Cade Ellis, Secretary; Austin Sturgis, Treasurer; and Chandler Crisp, President. Hibriten High Varsity Officers and students collected personal care items for students and families in the Craven and Pender School Districts.
Phipps added, “We appreciate the outpouring of support we have already seen in this community, and we encourage Caldwell County to reach out to teachers and families in Pender and Craven School Districts, who welcome our support, kindness, and kinship in education.”
If you have questions or need assistance, contact the Community Services of the Caldwell County Schools at 828-728-8407. All donations can be brought to the Education Center from 8-5, Monday thru Friday until Oct. 30.