For many of us, Hurricane Irene is over. Once our electricity was restored, schools opened back up, we went to work and life returned to normal.

In Pamlico County, one of, if not the hardest hit area, there are many who lost everything, including their homes, during the hurricane. For them, life has not returned to normal, and may not for a long, long time. I strongly feel that we need to help our neighbors!

To help our neighbors get the items they need the most, we are offering a 10 minute Blue Bear Portraits mini-session and disc with your 2 best images to all who bring a donation! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE pitch in and help out!!! Come by our downtown New Bern studio at 228 Middle Street with your donation next Monday, September 12 - Thursday, September 15 between 10 AM and 6 PM. We will photograph you and provide you with a printable disc of your top two photos on the spot, no appointments necessary! There will be no sale session following your photo session, you will simply receive the disc so you can print your portraits yourself! This is a wonderful way to receive amazing portraits and help out those in need! Items to bring by for your donation are listed below.

Please bring only new items or be sure your used appliances and beds are clean and in perfect working condition! Here are some of the items needed most:

*mattresses (even air mattresses)
pillows
blankets
sheets
*coolers
*small appliances (microwaves, stoves, refrigerators, coffee makers, anything so people can cook for themselves)
*BUG SPRAY!
non-perishable food items (please bring several)
toiletries, all types (please bring several)

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HELPING OUT!!! For more information on how you can volunteer call Bayboro Baptist Church at 252-745-4106.

"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you." --Mother Teresa