Fayetteville mobilizes to send donated goods to Harvey victims

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina (WTVD) -- More relief is on the way to the Hurricane Harvey victims in Texas. One of the people spearheading this movement has been a victim of a hurricane before.

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As boxes pile up at Fayetteville collection sites, donors realize every little bit counts.

"Any kind of toiletries, toothbrushes, soaps. Even underwear for children helps," said Debbie Wheeler, a clerk at the Fayetteville BMW dealership.

Organizers estimate there are 35 collection sites in town from dealerships to bars.

Jeremy Braithwaite is spearheading this movement because he's been a victim of a hurricane before. He says he knows what it's like and what's needed in the wake of the tragedy.

"I was in a fortunate position that it was a couple days and I was back in my home. These people are going from months to years before they get infrastructure back," said Braithwaite.

That's why he and the others say delivering these well-needed goods to the Harvey victims helps in more ways than one.

"We're starting to understand in today's times that there's a lot of division going on and this is bringing everybody together," said another organizer, Tony Brown.

The group plans to continue accepting donations until the end of the month. Drop off sites include Mercedes Benz of Fayetteville, Gold's Gym, American Tattoo Society and Louie's Sports Pub.