THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 13, 1996 TAG: 9609130730
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: 72 lines
Outer Banks residents of all ages are joining forces to help their neighbors to the south who were ravaged last week by Hurricane Fran.
Students on yearbook and newspaper staffs at Manteo High School are leading a drive tonight to help victims of Hurricane Fran.
Wanchese fish houses contributed ice Thursday to be trucked to watermen in devastated areas who have not been able to preserve their fish. Plus, the North Carolina Fisheries Association is seeking help for troubled watermen.
And a team of building inspectors from Dare County have been helping gather information to help homeowners protect themselves against future storms.
North Carolina Power, whose repairmen worked round-the-clock for days to get 50,000 of their customers in northeast North Carolina back in service, is sending 300 employees to help fix lines in the battered Wrightsville Beach area today.
``As tired as our folks are from what they've already been through, you just can't say no,'' said North Carolina Power spokesman Bryant R. Brooks. ``Our neighbors to the south are in dire need of additional assistance.''
Brooks said power will be out in parts of the Wrightsville Beach area ``well into next week.''
He said he could not say when workers will be able to return.
The high school students are urging football fans to take money, nonperishable foods and school supplies to Manteo stadium and turn them over to collectors tonight.
The idea was spawned by students who had seen newspaper and televison reports of the damage done by the hurricane.
``When I realized the extent of the damage and how great the need was for our help, I decided it was time to put aside the trivial things in my life and do something,'' said Colleen Kelly, editor of the yearbook.
Jennifer Perciaville, editor of the student newspaper, said ``I can't imagine what it would be like to be without the basic necessities that I use every day.''
Kate Hartig, associate editor of the student newspaper, said that since Dare County was not damaged by the hurricane, ``it is only right that we give what we can to those who have lost so much.''
The team of building inspectors from Dare County is scheduled to return home today after spending most of this week in the storm ravaged beaches of Onslow County. Talmadge Jones, chief building inspector for Dare County, Fred Featherstone, Chet Forrester, and John Brabrand have been helping in the recovery process in North Topsail Beach.
The Dare County contingent is collecting photographs and recording video that will be used later to emphasize the need for quality construction in the coastal zone.
A second team of Dare inspectors will leave next week to replace the returning team.
The North Carolina Fisheries Association will accept food donations beginning at 10 a.m. today to be distributed to the Hampstead-Surf City area.
Non-perishable foods, as well as infant formula, baby food and disposable diapers are needed. Candles and batteries also would be useful.
Many residents still are without power but can remain in their homes. Providing convenience foods that can be prepared at home will reduce the number depending on the shelter's resources.
Donations should be taken to the North Carolina Fisheries Association headquarters at 2606 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
For more details, call Sandy Semans, 633-2288. ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photo]
DREW C. WILSON
The Virginian-Pilot
James ``Swivel'' Cox, 32, of Wanchese prepares to ship eighteen,
2,000 pound containers from Wanchese Fish Co. to Hampstead, N.C., so
watermen hit by Hurricane Fran can preserve their fish.
KEYWORDS: HURRICANE FRAN by CNB