BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. — The American Red Cross has steadily handed out supplies since Wednesday in areas affected by the coastal storm.


What You Need To Know

  • The Cape Fear Chapter of the American Red Cross is handing out supplies to people affected by the historic rainfall Monday

  • A base was set up at the Carolina Beach Recreation Center

  • Thursday crews ventured into some of the hardest hit areas of Brunswick County

A team drove into the heart of devastation in Brunswick County in the Stoney Creek neighborhood of Leland on Thursday.

Volunteers went door-to-door asking who needed cleaning supplies.

“Been a hell of a week for sure. One thing after another,” Hunter Gadwill said.

Gadwill’s home has sustained significant damage. From water seeping into his garage to the flooring in his home to the fencing and shed in his backyard, Gadwill has a lot of issues.

“I’m kinda at a loss for words,” Gadwill said.

He and many others still had standing water in their backyards three days after the storm.

The picture of a backyard full of water has become more normal than most Stoney Creek residents would like. (Spectrum News 1/Patrick Thomas)
The picture of a backyard full of water has become more normal than most Stoney Creek residents would like. (Spectrum News 1/Patrick Thomas)

Gadwill said there’s a chance he will need to rip out the walls and parts of flooring inside his home.

Not to mention his air conditioning unit was damaged, which made it harder to keep his wife and 7-month-old son cool.

“One small positive when something like this happens, it really shows how the community is there for each other,” Gadwill said.

Gadwill's next-door neighbor had not fared much better.

Water damage has greatly impacted the inside of homes in the Stoney Creek neighborhood. (Spectrum News 1/Patrick Thomsa)
Water damage has greatly impacted the inside of homes in the Stoney Creek neighborhood. (Spectrum News 1/Patrick Thomsa)

There were bent floors, cracked cabinets and a flipped-over refrigerator from Monday’s rising waters.

At what has become the Red Cross’s hub at the Carolina Beach Recreation Center, more than 200 cleaning supply kits have been given away.

Executive Director of the Cape Fear Chapter of the American Red Cross James Jarvis said it’s what the organization was made for.

“Making sure that we're there to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies like this,” Jarvis said.

Jarvis said these kits include everything from brushes, gloves, garbage bags and more.

“Our main focus whenever something like this really comes down to life safety,” Jarvis said.

Going straight to those most affected is why Kamrey Raynor joined the Red Cross as an intern.

Raynor plotted out the homes in the Stoney Creek neighborhood where volunteers took cleaning supplies straight to the hardest hit homes.

Red Cross intern Kamrey Raynor plans to devote her life to social work. (Spectrum News 1/Patrick Thomas)
Red Cross intern Kamrey Raynor plans to devote her life to social work. (Spectrum News 1/Patrick Thomas)

Raynor, 20, wasted no time in coordinating the on-the-ground disaster relief. It’s why the UNC Wilmington senior chose to pursue social work as her major.

“I just wanted to help people and didn’t really see a better way to do it. The Red Cross is a little bit different. I decided to dip my toe here,” Raynor sid.

Kits will be handed out at the Carolina Beach Recreation Center until 5 p.m. Friday.

The mobile teams will disperse into communities in Boiling Springs Lake and Southport on Friday as well.