RALEIGH, N.C. -- It's been quite the fall for students and educators in the Sandhills and the eastern part of our state who recently went back to school, only to be met by the devastation of Hurricane Florence. And for the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, it hit extra close to home as they continue to work to help their school-family get back on their feet.

Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair sat down with the univeristy’s Chancellor Dr. Robin Gary Cummings for a look at how they’re assisting their school family during their time of need. Chancellor Cummings says even before the storm hit, the university made emergency relief funds available to students and employees, many still reeling from Hurricane Matthew 23 months prior. Much relief has been met and distributed, but Cummings says the need remains and they continue to collect, accept and hand out donations. The university says the CARE Resource Center is also available to students in need of food, and the school is helping those who’ve missed class get back on track.

But it’s not just the university that needs help. With two 1,000-year floods in less than two years, the university is also partnering with Robeson County officials to try and figure out how to help deter flooding in the area. Chancellor Cummings says they hope to come together as a region and find a solution through assessing storm water drainage systems, clearing debris from swamps and canals, upgrading levees and work on construction of floodgates.

To learn how to donate and help out those impacted by the hurricane at UNCP, visit their donation website.