REGION – Picture an 18-wheeler. Now imagine it full of non-perishable food, water, clothes and bedding.

Well, that was the sight at Greensboro City Hall yesterday afternoon as Representative Ralph Howard welcomed a truck full of everyday items sent from Michigan of the state’s Legislative Black Caucus.

“We have two more months left of Hurricane season,” Howard said.

“They sent the supplies down here to make sure people are prepared. We are looking at the long term now.”

The trucks delivered everything from diapers to comforters and the supplies were unloaded at the Greensboro City Hall.

According to Howard, some of the items will remain at City Hall while others will be sent to the county shop.

Representative Howard and Senator Bobby Singleton will be responsible for distributing the donations to evacuees and local residents who sustained damage.

“The Caucus wanted to cut the red tape and cut out the middle man to make sure the people got what they needed,” Howard said. “They wanted to make it more accessible to evacuees.”

Howard said the group also sent trucks to Tuscaloosa and Mobile and the donations will “radiate out from Greensboro” into surrounding counties, including Sumter and Greene.

He said he will contact the Board of Education, DHR and other area agencies to determine which families need help.

“I am looking at the people who are settling into the area and who have kids in school,” he said. “They are my first priority because those kids need school supplies and clothes.”