Newton police to ship supplies for hurricane relief responders in Texas

NEWTON, N.C. — Newton police have been collecting supplies for the families of officers and first responders in Texas after Hurricane Harvey punished the state.

Channel 9 counted 18 pallets of items in a Newton Public Works warehouse that are loaded and ready to ship to Houston on Thursday night.

"It's just heartbreaking to see all these people who are out of power, in need, lost their homes,” Newton police Chief Don Brown said. “(They) lost everything they worked for all their life."

Newton PD said they started with one pallet, but so many people dropped off items at their department that they had to use the public works warehouse to store it.

“Lots of hygiene,” said Brian Cloninger, of the Newton PD. “Toothbrushes, paste, socks, underwear.”

Police departments in Roxboro, Hickory, Statesville, Conover, Lenoir, and Maiden also helped in the effort.

"It's very touching to see how the community pulled together," said Stephanie Lester, of the Newton PD.

As word spread across Catawba County about the Hurricane Relief efforts, other organizations and business became involved, like Zenith Global Logistics that provided the 18-wheeler to transport the supplies to Texas.

"It's good to know that people across the country care about you,” said Paul Hunter, of Zenith Global Logistics. “Houston, we're coming."

Reporter Dave Faherty has more on this hurricane relief effort on Channel 9 starting at 5:30 p.m.

Cox Media Group