In the wake of Hurricane Florence, the Willie B. Hatcher American Legion Post No. 516 in McDonough is reaching out to Henry County residents to help military personnel in need.

  Eddie Felton, the Legion’s special projects manager, said a post commander in Fayetteville, N.C. contacted Post No. 516 for help on October 1.

  “He asked if there was any way we could help them because they have a dire need for water because of the hurricane,” said Felton. “They needed water, they needed diapers, they needed blankets and they needed pillows. We have been trying to get businesses in our area to make donations.”

  Felton added that Barnesville Police Chief Craig Cooper, following the request, immediately sent out an e-mail blast to residents in Lamar County, seeking additional donations.

  “He collected 200 cases of water, blankets, pillows and diapers,” said Felton. “He did that in one day.”

  Donated items were scheduled to be brought to the Henry County Water Authority this week. Among the items collected thus far, Felton said, are 200 pouches of water from a spring owned by Lamar County residents L.D. Park and 94-year-old Mattie Parks.

  Felton called on Henry County residents for assistance in the endeavor.

  “This is another way we can contribute to the veterans in our community and other areas,” said Felton.   For more information, call Eddie Felton at 239-770-7132.