The Pender County School system reported that more than 750 students within the county were displaced as a result of Hurricane Florence. As recovery continued, the Pender Early College PTA consulted with school counselors and nurses about students’ unmet needs and found many displaced students did not have mattresses. Students living in FEMA-issued travel trailers or staying with other relatives were often sleeping on the floor because of limited space. Additionally, some students and their families were using mattresses that were contaminated by mold caused by Hurricane Florence. Students were identified by school counselors in schools throughout the County. Funding awarded from the NC Hurricane Florence Relief Fund was used to purchase mattresses and bedding for identified students and families.
