'Long history of stepping up': Administrators urge Duke community to aid in hurricane relief

In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, there are several ways the Duke community can aid in providing relief for the storm's victims. 

Both President Vincent Price and Larry Moneta, vice president for student affairs, have sent emails to the Duke community detailing ways to provide assistance for those affected.

In a Tuesday email, Price thanked the Duke employees who "worked around the clock over the past week to ensure that we made it through the storm safely," but noted that not everyone was so fortunate to weather the storm without harm.

"At the same time, many of our neighbors are only now beginning a long process of recovery," he wrote. "Rivers in eastern North Carolina are already above flood stage and may not crest for several more days, and the number of lost homes and livelihoods continues to climb."

He announced the launch of the Duke Doing Good in the Neighborhood Emergency Response Fund, which will go to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund.

"Duke has a long history of stepping up to aid those who need it after a natural disaster," Price wrote. "This time is no different, and I invite you to join in the growing number of efforts to help our community, our state, and our region recover from the storm." 

Moneta also called on students to “assist with relief efforts” through organizations such as the American Red Cross in a Monday email.

“Property damages and personal losses will be extreme but the emotional toll this will take is immeasurable,” he wrote.

Students who are directly and indirectly affected by the severe weather conditions can seek assistance from residence halls staff, academic advisors and mental health professionals on campus, he noted. 

“Over the next days and weeks, there will undoubtedly be further opportunities to help,” Moneta wrote, adding that students should watch for announcements about relevant information. 

The Duke football program is also partnering with Marrin’s Moving—a Raleigh-based moving company—to collect and deliver life necessities to victims, including buckets, paper towels, large garbage bags, rubber gloves, masks, scrub brushes, scouring pads, sponges, air freshener, toiletries, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, hand soap, adult diapers, disposable razors, shaving cream, toilet paper, diapers for babies, baby wipes, baby food, baby formula, sippy cups and bottles, bottled water, nonperishable food items and school supplies. 

By donating three items from the list above between Sept. 18 and Sept. 29, Duke football fans can purchase a general admission ticket to the Oct. 20 game against Virginia for five dollars. 

Details about time and location of the donation drives can be found here

The Duke Football Program and Marrin’s Moving also collaborated last year to send resources to people affected by Hurricane Harvey.  

In the end of the email, Moneta also reminded students to take heed of ongoing natural disasters in other parts of the world, including Typhoon Mangkhut, which has hit many areas in Asia. 

“Let’s also be mindful of global conditions that inevitably affects some members of our community and offer support when and where we can,” he wrote. 

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