NEW BERN — Hurricane Florence has changed so many lives because of the destruction it caused to North Carolina's eastern and southern cities. However, it has also brought a lot of people back to their hometowns as they are helping out however they can.
Kevin Reddick grew up in New Bern, before going on to play college football at North Carolina. He eventually played in the NFL for 4 years, which includes a period of time with the Carolina Panthers. When Reddick saw what Hurricane Florence had done to New Bern, he knew he and some of his former New Bern football teammates needed to do something.
"I reached out to them, and I said, 'Let's do something about it,' Reddick said. "'Let's go ahead and put something in plan.'"
Even though Reddick currently lives in Alexandria, Virginia and his three over teammates lives across the country, they started gathering their resources to creates a day to give back.
"If I can help out, why not?" Reddick said.
Reddick and his teammates found a way to bring hot meals and fresh foods to the heart of New Bern Saturday afternoon. They also had necessities like diapers, toilet paper and clothing for anyone to take.
"I love coming back here when I can," Reddick said. "I'm going to help other people out when I know it's a time of need."
One of Reddick's teammates who came back with him is Dante Sellers. Now living in Atlanta, he couldn't believe how many people they were able to help Saturday.
"Everyone calls it community service, but it's all family," Dante Sellers said. "We're on the rise again. The storm can't break us."
One person living in New Bern able to come get some things she needed was Jacqueline Jordan. She said she's thankful for what Reddick gave back to so many people in need.
"You'll be surprised at the strength and the love in people," Jordan said. "The people here are so nice. They welcome you in and are eager to help."
Reddick said they were hoping to serve 250 plates of fresh meals Saturday and get rid of all of the items they brought into town. He said that goal was easily achieved.