Cape May is no stranger to hurricanes and the damage that comes from coastal storms. This morning, local volunteers departed for North Carolina on the 7am Cape May-Lewes Ferry to help a community affected by Hurricane Florence.

They’re headed for a town called Oriental. Like Cape May, it’s a small town that relies on the tourism industry. Two of the town’s three access routes are cut off due to flooding, and the last may be cut off if the river continues to rise. Besides being a fellow shore town, Oriental also has a Cape May connection: the town manager’s uncle was mayor of Cape May in the ’70s.

The volunteer group, Cape May for Florence, led by Middle Township resident Christopher Chin, collected donations like cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products, which are badly in need. United Uniforms, Cat Country 107.3, Nam Knights of America Motorcycle Club, Tomes Roofing, and Girl Scout Brownie Troop 46722 contributed donations. iStorage donated two storage units to collect donations, and the DRBA donated the ferry trip across the bay. Volunteers will bring donations directly to the town and are staying a day to assist with cleanup efforts. They assisted in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey.

Please visit Cape May for Florence on Facebook for more information about their efforts and updates. The group is still accepting donations on their GoFundMe page to cover the cost of the truck and fuel. 

9/24: The group has rebranded as Cape May Cares