Call Disaster Response for Emergency Water Damage Clean-Up
- 24/7 Emergency Response - Call Now!
- Stop The Damage Before Mold Forms
- Our Home Inusurance Claim Experts Are Ready
- Learn How We Help Families With Water Damage
Call us 877-451-9251Water Damage Restoration in Wilmington, NC
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Watson College of Education in Wilmington to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Wilmington, NC is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Wilmington. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Fire Damage for hlsmith0814
Mold Remediation for Edd Bowen
Sewer Backup for Tonya Luvisch
Soot Removal for Taryn Connell
Water Damage for Meagan
Fire Damage for Kala Doyle
Mold Remediation for Rob Isaac
Sewer Backup for Jordann Jennings
Soot Removal for Amy
Water Damage for Matt Burrus
Fire Damage for Jenee Hobson
Mold Remediation for William Beers
Sewer Backup for Jeff Stephenson
Soot Removal for Christine Ashkar
Water Damage for Qamar Enayah
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damageāwe address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Bellamy Mansion Museum in Wilmington, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about youāyour situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Wilmington.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Wilmington, NC
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Spring Arbor of Wilmington in Wilmington for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Wilmington, NC, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Wilmington?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Long Leaf Park in Wilmington. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Wilmington, NC, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to BurgwinWright House and Gardens in Wilmington, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Wilmington restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Wilmington, NC, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Wilmington, NC
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Wilmington, NC, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a manna in Wilmington. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Wilmington rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Wilmington, NC
A Wilmington film pioneer's rise and fall featured in new YouTube video
John Statonhttps://www.starnewsonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2024/12/13/rise-and-fall-of-de-laurentiis-entertainment-group-in-wilmington-nc-firestarter-blue-velvet/76660972007/
A video posted to YouTube last month takes an in-depth look at the career of film producer Dino De Laurentiis, including his relatively short but consequential time operating a studio in Wilmington.There's not really any new information in the 30-minute video, which is titled "The Death of De Laurentiis Entertainment Group." It was posted by a content creator who calls himself Channel Serfer and says he makes "video essays exploring obscure & defunct media."The video does, however, provide an engrossing ...
A video posted to YouTube last month takes an in-depth look at the career of film producer Dino De Laurentiis, including his relatively short but consequential time operating a studio in Wilmington.
There's not really any new information in the 30-minute video, which is titled "The Death of De Laurentiis Entertainment Group." It was posted by a content creator who calls himself Channel Serfer and says he makes "video essays exploring obscure & defunct media."
The video does, however, provide an engrossing look at the circumstances in the 1980s that helped create a film and television industry that exists in Wilmington and North Carolina to this day.
Over footage of the old De Laurentiis Entertainment Group (DEG) studios on 23rd Street in Wilmington — they would later become Screen Gems/EUE Studios and are currently Cinespace Studios — the video notes that while "it was one of the most promising indie studios of its time, the rise and fall of DEG would be sharp and swift."
The video then goes back to De Laurentiis' early life in Italy. Born in 1919, the son of a pasta maker, he rose to acclaim in the 1940s by producing acclaimed films for such well-known directors as Federico Fellini and Roberto Rossellini.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
De Laurentiis would go on to build a major film studio in Rome in the 1960s before selling it in the 1970s to move to the United States.
Unlikely story:40 years ago, Dino De Laurentiis started Wilmington's film industry
After partnering with big American studios to produce such hits as "Serpico," "Death Wish" and, biggest of all, 1976 blockbuster "King Kong" (sprinkled in with flops including "Flash Gordon" and critically acclaimed money-loser "Ragtime"), De Laurentiis found his way to the project that would lead him to Wilmington.
After 1983 movie "The Dead Zone" proved a modest hit, De Laurentiis looked to produce another film based on a Stephen King novel: "Firestarter," now known as the movie that sparked Wilmington's film industry.
The video correctly notes that it was a picture of Brunswick County's Orton Plantation in a magazine that put Wilmington in the minds of De Laurentiis and producer Frank Capra Jr. as a location for "Firestarter." It also curiously claims that it was Wilmington's "landscape, which includes beaches and mountains" that led De Laurentiis to announce the building of a film studio here in 1984, the year "Firestarter" was released. (The video's creator corrects that notion in the comments section, saying "film producers around this time were attracted to North Carolina as a whole due to its varied landscape overall.")
More importantly, the video notes, North Carolina had "right-to-work laws that limited the power of labor unions," leading De Laurentiis to tell media outlets that a film that cost $10 million to make in Los Angeles would cost only $7 million in North Carolina.
De Laurentiis rode into Wilmington on a high but soon ran into trouble thanks to such critical and commercial flops as "Dune" (not filmed in Wilmington), which put financial pressure on the studio. Wilmington-made flops like "Cat's Eye," "Silver Bullet" (both Stephen King projects) and "Year of the Dragon" dug the hole deeper.
Then, as big business conglomerates began buying up film studios, De Laurentiis acquired Embassy Pictures for $35 million in 1985, hoping to acquire a distribution arm for his studios. He then changed his studio's name, previously the De Laurentiis Corporation, to DEG.
The video mentions De Laurentiis' daughter Raffaella as being head of production for DEG, but doesn't mention his wife, Martha, who produced movies alongside her husband.
As the video notes, taking DEG public in 1986 was a huge financial risk, and stumbling out of the gates with flops "Tai Pan" and the Wilmington-filmed sequel "King Kong Lives" didn't help. Even Wilmington-filmed movies like "Blue Velvet" and "Crimes of the Heart" were more critical successes than commercial hits.
De Laurentiis announced plans to build a studio on Australia's Gold Coast in 1986 and to expand his Wilmington studio in 1987, but if '86 was "a brutal year," as the video says, '87 was worse.
DEG lost $70 million for the year as its stock price tumbled from $19 to $2.50 a share. DEG filed for bankruptcy in 1988, and was purchased by Carolco Studio in 1989.
Years later, the always optimistic De Laurentiis blamed DEG's flameout on a combination of bad business advice and his own inexperience dealing with the world of corporate America.
Redemption came later, as the De Laurentiis-produced "Hannibal" sequel to "The Silence of the Lambs" became the biggest hit of his career in 2001. He was honored that same year with the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award at the Oscars before dying in 2010 at the age of 91.
De Laurentiis' time in Wilmington was not all for naught. As the video correctly notes, both Southeastern North Carolina, as well as the Gold Coast of Australia, where De Laurentiis opened another studio in the 1980s, have since become major film production centers.
Please support us by turning off your adblocker.
Get unlimited digital access, along with subscriber-exclusive content, and more.
Will it snow in Wilmington for Christmas? Here's the last time it did.
Madison Lipehttps://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/local/2024/12/12/will-it-snow-in-wilmington-nc-this-christmas-forecast-prediction/76945136007/
...
The chances of snow falling in the Wilmington area are rare and when it comes to hoping for one specific day out of the year -- Christmas Day -- they're even slimmer.
But Wilmington saw a few snow flurries during the morning of Dec. 3. Although the flurries didn’t last long or result in any measurable amount of snow, some Wilmington residents may be holding out hope for more.
Wilmington’s National Weather Service station gives a Winter Outlook for Southeastern North Carolina that can give insight into what Wilmington residents or visitors can expect this year during the holiday season.
More:Will the Wilmington area see snow? Here's the Farmer's Almanac's winter predictions.
Will it snow in Wilmington on Christmas Day?
Probably not. According to the Winter Outlook for Wilmington, La NinĢa is expected to be a factor in this winter’s weather and climate. This is a natural, periodic cooling of ocean water across the tropical east Pacific Ocean that brings global impacts to temperatures, rainfall, wind and pressure patterns.
Essentially, in the summer and fall it enhances tropical cyclone activity, which has impacted the Wilmington area this year. It also brings impacts during the winter, when it increases the potential for below normal rainfall across the southern United States.
Since 1959, there have been 22 winters when La NinĢa conditions were present, as is expected for this winter, according to the National Weather Service.
“Unfortunately for snow-lovers, the majority of those winters experienced below-average snowfall across the Carolinas,” according to the National Weather Service.
The forecast for Christmas Day in Wilmington, according to AccuWeather, shows a high of 64 degrees and a low of 37 degrees. This paired with a 25% probability of precipitation, might be disappointing for those hoping for some flurries.
Snow in Wilmington:A look back at when we saw measurable snowfall since 1870
Has Wilmington ever experienced a white Christmas?
The last time Wilmington had a white Christmas was in 1989 when 15 inches of snow fell 36 hours before Dec. 25.
The last time it snowed in December was on Dec. 12, 2017, when Wilmington had 1.1 inces of snow, according to the National Weather Service. It also snowed on Dec. 3, 2000, with just two-tenths of an inch. Wilmington also saw one-tenth of an inch of snow on Dec. 26, 2010.
According to the National Weather Service, epic snowstorms where a foot or more has fallen have occurred only three times in Wilmington’s history. These storms happened on Feb. 17-18, 1896; Feb. 9-11, 1973, and Dec. 22-24, 1989.
Boba tea chain adds extensive ramen bar, expands late night eats in downtown Wilmington
Allison Ballardhttps://www.starnewsonline.com/story/lifestyle/food/2024/12/12/tap-tea-bar-adds-ramen-late-night-dining-in-downtown-wilmington-nc/76888454007/
A local boba tea chain has added an equally popular food to its menu. Tap Tea Bar offers signature tea drinks, build-your-own options and seasonal specials, like those topped with peppermint cold foam.Now, the owner has added an extensive selection of ramen at locations in downtown Wilmington, on Racine Drive and at The Pointe at Barclay. (They also hope to bring it to the campus of the University of North Carolina Wilmington soon.)Owner Dynh Le said ramen was an important part of his life growing up in a Vietnamese American ho...
A local boba tea chain has added an equally popular food to its menu. Tap Tea Bar offers signature tea drinks, build-your-own options and seasonal specials, like those topped with peppermint cold foam.
Now, the owner has added an extensive selection of ramen at locations in downtown Wilmington, on Racine Drive and at The Pointe at Barclay. (They also hope to bring it to the campus of the University of North Carolina Wilmington soon.)
Owner Dynh Le said ramen was an important part of his life growing up in a Vietnamese American household. As ramen sales have exploded -- increasing 72% in the United States in the past couple of decades -- it made sense to serve it with the boba.
And as a downtown business owner, Le also saw the opportunity to add to the after-hours dining scene.
“There’s not a lot of late night eats,” Le said.
Restaurants like Slice of Life, I Love NY Pizza and Dough House Pizza Co. have hours to 3 a.m. on weekend nights. And there’s a popular hot dog stand usually positioned near Front and Market streets, and often a taco truck. But Le thinks the instant noodles will make a welcome addition for some diners.
Earlier this month, he started Late Night Ramen at 251 N. Front St. from 10:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Here’s what to know.
Curated ramen
Tap Tea carries 28 different varieties of instant ramen.
“You have the broth kind, the spicy kind,” Le said. “We’ve got gluten-free ramen. We have vegan ramen.”
There are also Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese ramen brands. Many of the options have gone viral on social media, are hard-to-find or sought after.
“This isn’t 10 cent ramen,” he said. “This is gourmet instant ramen.”
He carries the brand he remembers from his childhood, Mama. Buldak Ramen became popular after a social media challenge where people film themselves eating the noodles. And Shin is a longtime Korean favorite that’s known for spicy broth.
STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the area’s latest food news by signing up for the Port City Foodies newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.
How it works
The ramen is about $7.50 a bowl and comes with a variety of free toppings, like seaweed, dried seafood and onions, chili oil, Kewpie mayo, sriracha and soy sauce. You can also add premium toppings like hard boiled eggs, Spam and cheese.
“Like, the Buldak one with cheese, you can make them extra cheesy,” Le said.
You order and get a bowl from the counter first. And then you pick your ramen and toppings. Le said it’s an ideal way to warm up on cold nights, or while you wait for a ride.
For the Late Night Ramen, there’s an indoor dining area and ramen lovers can continue the party vibe with dimmed lights and music.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com
Please support us by turning off your adblocker.
Get unlimited digital access, along with subscriber-exclusive content, and more.
'It's great to see a smile on a kid's face': How Toys for Tots is helping Wilmington kids
Renee Spencerhttps://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/local/2024/12/11/toys-for-tots-helping-wilmington-nc-families-this-christmas/76228105007/
While many were just starting to think about Thanksgiving, a group of men and women were already preparing for Christmas morning.No, they’re not elves at the North Pole; they’re volunteers working for Toys for Tots’ New Hanover County chapter.Robert Hedden, coordinator for the chapter, explained the national organization began in 1947 when Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks’ wife Diane had a few handcrafted dolls and asked her husband to find an organization to distribute them to kids at Christmas...
While many were just starting to think about Thanksgiving, a group of men and women were already preparing for Christmas morning.
No, they’re not elves at the North Pole; they’re volunteers working for Toys for Tots’ New Hanover County chapter.
Robert Hedden, coordinator for the chapter, explained the national organization began in 1947 when Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks’ wife Diane had a few handcrafted dolls and asked her husband to find an organization to distribute them to kids at Christmas.
When Hendricks could find no such organization, his wife encouraged him to start one. Hendricks and the Marines in his reserve unit, which was based in Los Angeles, did just that. In the first year, they collected and distributed about 5,000 toys.
Another organization in the news:This NC nonprofit brings camaraderie and fun to wounded veterans during Oak Island festival
The concept was then rolled out to all Marine Reserve Training sites, becoming a national program in 1947. Hedden noted these days, the director of the program is a retired lieutenant general, and most of his staff previously served in the military. The individual chapters consist of Marine Corps Reservists; Marine Corps League, which are retired marines; and civilians that apply to have a chapter. The New Hanover County chapter is operated by Marine Corps League 1070.
In New Hanover County, the Salvation Army gives Toys for Tots a portion of its warehouse space to store and process donations. In turn, Toys for Tots helps by donating toys for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. Hedden explained many of the toys donated came in after the previous year’s distribution period.
To collect toy donations from the community, Toys for Tots uses large boxes. Companies or businesses can request to be a donation drop-off site. Hedden said there are about 400 boxes around New Hanover County.
“And then we have some special events,” Hedden said.
Another organization helping kids:Southport organization aims to 'create a ripple effect' by helping Young Eagles take flight
One such event is the Toys for Tots Motorcycle Ride sponsored by Shipwreck Harley Davidson.
The chapter also has a bank account, and any monetary donations are deposited into that account and used to purchase toys. Hedden had purchased about $9,000 in toys by mid-November.
The group will begin collecting toys from the donation boxes the week of Dec. 16, and they will be transported to the warehouse where they will be sorted by age group.
Last year, the chapter distributed 27,166 toys — including books and stocking stuffers — to 5,820 children. Hedden said the needs have increased a bit over the previous year, and by mid-November, 300 families had requested the chapter’s help--an increase from around 250 last year.
Families submit requests with their children’s gender, age, and some of their “likes,” and volunteers “shop” for the kids. Those toys are then bagged and set aside for the parents to pick up before Christmas. Hedden said he enjoys volunteering with the organization because it allows him to give back to the community.
“It’s great to see a smile on a kid’s face,” he said.
Please support us by turning off your adblocker.
Get unlimited digital access, along with subscriber-exclusive content, and more.
A potential grocery store and more: What Wilmington has made off surplus property sales
Molly Wilhelmhttps://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/local/2024/12/10/wilmington-nc-could-see-a-publix-store-and-more-after-surplus-sales/75814934007/
Since the city of Wilmington's $68 million purchase of the Skyline Center in July 2023, officials have announced a strategic plan to ...
Since the city of Wilmington's $68 million purchase of the Skyline Center in July 2023, officials have announced a strategic plan to offset the cost through the sale of surplus properties. The recent approval to sell three of these parcels could make way for a downtown grocery store.
At the Dec. 3 city council meeting, councilmembers unanimously approved a $1.7 million bid on 305, 315 and 319 Chestnut St. from Cape Fear Holdings, LLC.
The 305 Chestnut Street location was once home to the city's largest office building. After being declared surplus, demolition of the building began onsite on Nov. 19 of this year.
With the city closing on the sale of several additional surplus properties this year, the potential Chestnut Street sale sparks conversation about what the proposed change, among others, could bring to the Port City.
More on the proposed grocery store: What's planned and why it matters
The need for a downtown grocery store is included in the city's comprehensive plan, Aubrey Parsley, director of economic development for the city, said at Tuesday's city council meeting.
"The city has been after this use for quite some time," said Parsley, later adding "It's no secret that there is a food desert on our ... Northside community."
The recent bid was submitted with a deed restriction, limiting the principal use of the property to a retail grocery supermarket for a minimum of 10 years, Parsley said, a provision that "certainly sets (the bid) apart from other bids (the city has) received in the past."
The current bidder has a prior history of constructing grocery stores in the area, including Publix locations in Pine Valley and Carolina Beach, among other brands and locations across the state.
Conversation sparked among councilmembers about the potential competition between the Northside Food Co-op at the intersection of 10th and Post streets and the proposed grocery store.
"It's nice to have options, I don't know how this project might affect that project but there's nothing wrong with having more than one option," Parsley said. "I don't know that the two would necessarily compete but we're certainly open to establishing a line of communication with the folks that are working on that project."
Mayor Bill Saffo provided examples of grocers and food co-ops coexisting in similar locations in other North Carolina cities like Raleigh, Asheville and Charlotte with Councilmember Salette Andrews agreeing.
Councilmember Kevin Spears talked about heightening the design of the Northside Food Co-op with the new proposal in mind.
"Here's an opportunity for all people that are involved, again, to step it up," Spears said. "The people on the northside don't want to be slighted."
In total, the three properties are currently zoned as Central Business District and amount to approximately 1.65 acres.
With 305 Chestnut St. under demolition, the city provided an update on the status of 315 Chestnut Street, noting that as of Nov. 19, IT equipment on site was in the process of being relocated, with demolition set to follow. Meanwhile, 319 Chestnut St. remains a parking lot.
If no upset bids are submitted for the properties before Dec. 19, the sale between the city and Cape Fear Holdings LLC will close within one year.
Related Coverage:How Wilmington's latest round of surplus properties could bring more development downtown
What other surplus property has the city sold?
Since the sale of the Skyline Center, the city has generated a total of $3,122,500 from the sale of five surplus properties:
Two additional properties are set to close come January 2025:
As part of the StarNews' public records request, the city provided status updates on four additional surplus properties:
Related coverage:Wilmington City Council approves millions for upgrades at the Skyline Center. Here's why.
More on Skyline Center
With the goal of selling surplus property to offset the cost of Skyline Center, the city previously said additional revenue from tenant leases will help cover operational expenses.
As of August, the city had secured nine tenant leases, generating a total of $2.4 million annually. Four other leases pending at the time were expected to generate an additional $760,000, bringing total annual revenue to approximately $3.16 million -- offsetting 80 to 85 percent of operation expenses at Skyline Center.
The city's communications office previously said that consolidation of city operations into the 929 N. Front St. location allowed for the city to avoid more than $5 million in repairs and maintenance across aging city properties. The purchase also allowed for approximately $55 million in savings compared to construction alternatives, which included the redevelopment of 305 Chestnut Street, among other projects.
In October, city council approved $6.3 million in funding for upgrades to three floors of the Skyline Center, including construction of council chambers and upfits to the City Clerk's Office. The funding was allocated from a FEMA reimbursement, unallocated loan funds, Convention Center fund repayment, and unallocated General Fund monies.
Disclaimer:
