Neenah police, Appleton American Legion assist with hurricane relief

NEENAH — The Neenah Police Department is working with N&M Transfer Co. Inc. and Pick 'n Save to deliver bottled water, nonperishable food and other supplies to the victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

It's one of several relief efforts stemming from northeast Wisconsin.

People can drop off donations starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday at the Neenah Pick 'n Save, 828 Fox Point Plaza. Supplies in demand include bottled water, nonperishable food, baby formula, baby wipes, disinfectant wipes, paper towels, deodorant, soap, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper and diapers.

Volunteers will load the supplies into a semitrailer provided by N&M Transfer and will remain at Pick 'n Save until the truck is full. A driver from N&M Transfer will haul the load to North Carolina, where volunteers from the Manna Food Bank will receive the trailer and make sure the donated items are distributed to those in need.

"We at the Neenah Police Department appreciate working and living in Neenah and the Fox Valley, and we truly admire how our community rallies around those in need both near and far," Police Chief Aaron Olson said. "We would like to preemptively thank everyone for their support, and we will make sure your donated items are given to those in need."

This is the third time Neenah police have coordinated relief for hurricane victims. The first occurred in 2017 following the destruction of Hurricane Irma in Florida, and the second occurred in 2022 following Hurricane Ian in Florida.

In addition to the Neenah police operation, the Appleton American Legion Post 38 is serving as a drop-off center for hurricane relief supplies. Post 38 is located at 3220 W. College Ave. in Grand Chute.

The drop-off center will be open during the following dates and times this week.

Items being collected include:

Contact Duke Behnke at 920-993-7176 or [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DukeBehnke.