The Neenah Police Department hosts a relief drive for victims of Hurricane Helene, Oct. 16, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Fox Valley residents and the Neenah Police Department are helping make a difference for victims of Hurricane Helene.
It’s been nearly three weeks since the Category 4 storm ravaged the Carolinas and the rest of the southeastern United States, but recovery efforts are still well underway.
On Monday, NPD announced it would host a relief drive to collect supplies for people in western North Carolina impacted by Helene. Officer Joe Benoit, community policing coordinator for NPD, said Wednesday’s event was a huge success.
“We’re just overwhelmed by the generosity of our community here in Neenah and the Fox Valley area,” Benoit said. “Everybody coming in with large amounts and small amounts of donated goods.”
N&M Transfer Co., Inc. donated a semi-trailer, fuel and driver to aid in the effort. The truck was parked at the Neenah Pick ‘n Save. Volunteers began taking donations around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, and before noon, Benoit said the truck was almost full.
Pallets of water bottles, nonperishable food items, toiletries, paper and cleaning products, baby diapers and wipes, pet food, medical items, blankets and various other supplies had been donated. By approximately 12:30 p.m., police had also received $930 in cash donations.
“This kind of work is very humbling. It’s just nice to see the generosity of out local community, and with all the problems that people face in various parts of the country due to natural disasters, we’re just happy to provide that direct link for people in this part of the country to be able to help our brothers and sisters in another part of the country,” Benoit said.
Once it’s full, the trailer’s contents will be distributed by The Manna Food Bank to people in need.
“We at the police department are just very happy, very honored to be able to do this. It’s a testament to how great this community is,” Benoit said.
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