Just south of New Bern and Kinston and north of Jacksonville, the towns of Trenton and Pollocksville were both inundated with water as the Trent River swelled to record levels in the wake of Hurricane Florence.

With relief efforts in Beaufort County well covered, one local business owner is turning her focus south, collecting donations to help those in need in Jones County.

Working in tandem with WELS 107.9 DJ John Moore, Morgan Printers in Greenville and a church in Belvoir, The Meeting Place owner Charlotte Cutler offered her restaurant as a drop off point for donations in Beaufort County.

“I’ve been overwhelmed,” Cutler said. “Camfil just brought 5,760 half-liter bottles of water. My restaurant is full.”

Cutler said a truck will leave on Saturday morning with all of the donations on board, giving Beaufort County residents throughout the day on Thursday and Friday to donate if they so desire. Among items needed are hygiene products, cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods and bug spray.

As for Cutler’s reasons for participating in the drive, the business owner says that she has experienced devastation from a hurricane firsthand and knows donations such as these can make a tremendous difference for hurricane victims.

“I’ve been the victim of a hurricane numerous times,” Cutler said. “Those of us that have lived on the water so long remember Floyd. I was born and raised in Greenville, and that was devastating to us there. I know what these people are going through, and you should support local all the way around.”

For those who bring in an item to The Meeting Place this week, Cutler says the restaurant is offering a special deal — a free drink and muffins with any meal.