Weirton community shows it cares
WEIRTON — A truck full of relief supplies left Weirton Tuesday morning, heading to assist hurricane victims in North Carolina, and organizers hope it is only the beginning of an effort to show local residents care – both across the country and here at home.
Weirton Cares spun from a relief collection initially organized by the owners of Kenny B’s Bar and Grill, explained Mike Pulice. With a group of volunteers, and assistance from local business owner Rodney Summers, the effort has been utilizing the Weirton Event Center in recent weeks as a base, with donations sorted and prepared for transportation.
Pulice expressed amazement at the response from the Weirton community.
“People are just dropping out of the sky saying they want to help,” Pulice said.
The truck departing Weirton Tuesday morning, made available to the group by Weirton Rental, represents the second trip for the group, with even more planned for the future.
A month after Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States, relief efforts continue, and Pulice explained residents and volunteers alike are in need of support. With winter approaching, other supplies will be needed, especially as some areas aren’t expected to have electricity fully restored for some time.
Among materials now being sought are propane heaters, small propane tanks, chain saws with oil and chains, generators, gas cards, small all-weather tents, new winter coats and gear, new toboggans or other warm hats, new blankets, and new winter clothes.
In the meantime, Weirton Cares is seeking additional organizational support, including locating a more permanent venue to store donations, an accountant, public relations person, and someone with knowledge of establishing a public charity.
“We want to make this a charity,” Pulice said. “We’re going to be here for a while.”
A logo contest also is in the works, with the group having already reached out to local schools to take part.
The effort isn’t going to be limited to hurricane relief, either, and it will be available in the Ohio Valley and elsewhere.
“It’s about mending broken hearts,” Pulice said, noting there aren’t protocols to follow in the event of a disaster, people are just hoping to find some help to put their lives back together. “Things are coming together because people are good-hearted.”