Addabbo partners with North Carolina State Senator to set up supply drive to help victims of Hurricane Florence

After seeing the devastation left behind by Hurricane Florence, State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. reached out to a local elected official in North Carolina to see how he could help support the victims of the hurricane.

Hurricane Florence has left Senator Bill Rabon’s (R) 8^th Senatorial District — which includes Brunswick, Bladen, New Hanover, and Pender Counties — battered and underwater. Rabon, who is also a veterinarian, saw his office and his house destroyed.

On September 17, Addabbo reached out to Rabon to see how he could help. Rabon and his staff personally responded to Addabbo’s call and was grateful for the offer.

Addabbo knows firsthand how the power of a hurricane can destroy people’s homes and businesses, and truly ravage a community because Superstorm Sandy battered Addabbo’s district back in 2012. Many residents are still trying to rebuild their lives six years later.

“After Sandy came and left parts of my district in despair, we quickly went to work trying to get things back to normal. However, we didn’t do it alone,” Addabbo said. “We were supported by communities and people from outside of New York. I wanted to repay the assistance my district received after Sandy by helping others get through their tough situation in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.”

So in order to help, Addabbo will be holding a supply drive for the victims of Hurricane Florence. The drive will begin on Thursday, September 20, and will conclude on Thursday, October 4. The donated items will then be shipped to North Carolina State Senator Bill Rabon.

Rabon and his constituents are in need of toiletries including toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, soaps and shampoos, and other products, as well as Visa and MasterCard gift cards.

Residents who wish to help the people of North Carolina during this difficult time can drop off items at any of Addabbo’s three district offices: Howard Beach at 159-53 102^nd Street, Middle Village at 66-85 73rd Place, and the Rockaways at 88-08 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“This simple supply drive will go a long way in helping the victims of Florence begin to get their lives back together,” Addabbo said. “I remember that after Sandy, donated items and gift cards, which allowed families to buy specific items needed, were extremely helpful. You don’t realize how important little things, like soap and toothbrushes, are until you don’t have them. This is a great way to help your fellow human beings in a time of great need.”