Wayne Business Owner Taking Supplies To Hurricane Victims: How To Help

WAYNE, NJ — A Wayne business owner has volunteered to deliver much-needed supplies to western North Carolina, helping residents who have been affected by Hurricane Helene.

Paul Siljee, the owner of Cardinal Moving Services, is planning to take donations of food, water, toiletries, sanitary products, and other necessities to this hard-hit area, where many people have lost their homes and are struggling to get basic necessities. The township is inviting all residents to contribute to the cause.

Siljee, who has owned the family-run company for more than 16 years, said he often makes out-of-state drives and has been to North Carolina many times.

"Right after the hurricane, I saw all the devastation, and there were so many people who just weren't getting any help at all," he told Patch. "And that's what motivated me to do this."

Siljee contacted Mayor Chris Vergano to ask if he could collect items outside the township building, and said Vergano was enthusiastic about the idea.

There will be two donation drop-offs, one on Saturday, Oct. 19 and the other on Saturday, Oct. 26. Both are from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wayne Municipal Parking Lot (475 Valley Rd).

"We have a bunch of volunteers that'll help load supplies on the two donation days," Siljee added.

He already had someone from Wayne booked to move to western North Carolina — about a 14-hour drive — so Cardinal Moving will load up a second truck with supplies for the neighbors of Jacksonville, which is in Onslow County. Siljee said he has coordinated with the sheriff there to make sure items will get to people who are in need.

"I think most people here have seen (the aftermath) on television," he said. "When people lose everything, it definitely gets to you and makes you want to help out."

Siljee will make the drive on Halloween.

Here are some of the most-needed items, according to a post on the township social media page:

• Bottled water
• Baby formula and reusable bottles
• Diapers (size 4 and 5)
• Protein shakes
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Heavy-duty trash bags
• Paper plates
• Plastic utensils
• Clorox wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Feminine hygiene products
• Deodorant
• Canned food
• Packets of tuna
• Peanut butter
• Crackers
• New underwear in original packaging
• Can openers
• Blankets