By Dair McNinch, Staff Writer

This week, First Flight’s Environmental Club is hosting a school-wide supply drive to help those affected by Hurricane Irma in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The drive will give the Outer Banks community a chance to get involved and send some help to those in need.

The idea was originally introduced by Environmental Club president Kira Foster.

“My boss for Ocean Rescue sent me an email about adopting a family in the USVI, or sponsoring them with supplies. That gave me the idea of doing a school-wide thing and sending lots of supplies over,” Foster said.

The drive will take place from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. and from 3 to 3:30 p.m. through Friday (Oct. 6) in the rotunda. Items being collected consist of basic toiletries, medical supplies, snacks, batteries, bottled water, toilet paper, clothing, and more. Monetary donations are also accepted to help cover shipping costs.

In addition to being able to help a community in need, students have the opportunity to earn spirit points for their class by bringing in the most supplies.

SGA co-sponsor Adam Herman was a big supporter of the idea.

“There are a lot of people there who have lost everything. This fundraising drive is about being a concerned and caring community that helps others when they are in need,” Herman said.

The Environmental Club has high hopes for the event and encourages not only students to participate, but community members as well. In addition to four class bins, the drive will also include a bin for supplies donated by teachers, parents and other community members.

“I want to be able to see our community help another one out” Foster said. “I believe in karma, and helping another place at risk for hurricane disasters can only cause good things.”

Junior Dair McNinch can be reached at mcninchle1121@daretolearn.org.