From the loss of lives to the loss of property, Hurricane Florence has devastated the Carolinas. It will not be easy for storm victims in North and South Carolina to rebuild their lives, and they will deal with the hurricane’s effects for some time.
UNC Charlotte is organizing various collection drives to assist those impacted by the storm.
“The Charlotte 49ers are here to support our fellow Carolinians who have suffered tremendous loss in the wake of Florence,” said UNC Charlotte Athletics Director Mike Hill. “Our hearts are with those who are struggling during this difficult time, and we stand ready to help those in need.”
The 49ers’ Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is collecting donations for hurricane relief at upcoming games, including the men’s soccer game vs. Wofford at 7 p.m., Sept. 25; women’s soccer game vs. WKU at 7 p.m., Sept. 28; men’s soccer game vs. UAB at 7 p.m., Sept. 29; and the volleyball game vs. FAU at 1 p.m., Sept. 30. SAAC members will collect bottled water, non-perishable food and personal hygiene and baby items at the gates.
The UNC Charlotte Office of Leadership and Community Engagement, within the Division of Student Affairs, has a launched a university-wide drive to help hurricane victims. Items being solicited: clothing (outer and underwear), non-perishable foods, toiletries, pillows and blankets, cases of water, baby supplies and laundry detergent. Donations can be dropped off on the first floor of the Popp Martin Student Union, the atrium of the EPIC building, Jamil Niner Student Pantry, SoVi Dining Hall and Cone Mainstreet Market. These donations will be combined with those of 49ers athletics and given to hurricane victims who live on the coast.
The University also held blood drives last week in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center.
Faculty and staff members are encouraged to remember hurricane victims during this year’s Giving Green campaign, which launches Wednesday, Sept. 26. Donations can be given to the UNC Charlotte Emergency Relief Fund, which is administered by the UNC Charlotte Foundation. This fund will provide scholarships to UNC Charlotte students in need so they and their families can focus on recovering and rebuilding. Also, the State Employees Combined Campaign (SECC) includes North Carolina chapters of the American Red Cross; donations can be designated to these chapters to support Red Cross Hurricane Florence recovery efforts.