Effects of Irene still felt in Manteo

MANTEO, N.C. (WAVY) - Four months after Hurricane Irene ripped through the Outer Banks, the Disaster Recovery Center in Manteo is still helping victims replace everything lost during the storm.

"In here is where we keep all the furniture and supplies that are coming in," Disaster Recovery Center worker Craig Parker said as he gave WAVY.com a tour of the warehouse.

Hundreds have come to the center to pick up disaster relief supplies and items like, comforters from Bed Bath and Beyond, shower heads, stuffed animals, stoves and furniture.

James Midgett has lived in a motel for the past four months. Wednesday, he picked a new couch up from the center.

"I'm pretty much blessed. The things I got, the things I'm getting, and the things I didn't have before I came here," Midgett said.

Karen Rogers is usually at Disaster Recovery Center  six days a week for six hours a day. 

"We have husbands who have lost jobs. They don't have a way to support the family and we are trying to fill in the gap," Rogers said.

But, work at the center can get emotional for Rogers who brings her own children in as she works. 

"They like being here. They enjoy being here. They understand what these children are going through, um..," Rogers said, stopping as she got emotional thinking of the children who come through the warehouse with their parents.

"This is the Mann's Red and White," Parker said. "This is all that's left. ...it's gone."

Parker and his family were victims of the storm too. His wife's family owned the only grocery store in Wanchese, located right outside of Manteo.

"28 inches would be up to your pocket," Parker said, pointing out the water line inside the store.

Irene destroyed the store.

Right now, the Disaster Recovery Center is in desperate need of volunteers.

If you would like to volunteer or help those still suffering from Hurricane Irene, you can e-mail this organization at disasterresponse101@gmail.com or call 252-475-3525.