Hurricane Florence has devastated the North Carolina coastline, leaving families without power and causing flood waters to drastically rise. The need for solar phone chargers and lanterns is substantial, and we have partnered with Mercy Corps, as a featured Give Light, Get Light partner, to distribute our lights to those left without power.
After a hurricane, many families have lost everything. In North Carolina, the flooding has been particularly devastating, destroying homes and leaving families disconnected. Having a portable source of power in the days and weeks following a hurricane can be an enormous source of comfort. Dark nights are lit and emergency information and loved ones are accessible. These PackLite Hero solar lanterns and phone chargers will provide vulnerable families with a safe source of light and power to charge their phones, so they can stay connected to family or emergency services. Mercy Corps has requested this lantern because its extra-large 4000mAh battery can provide storm survivors with multiple charges per device and up to 100 hours of light in lantern mode. The PackLite Hero 2-in-1 Supercharger is our most powerful lantern. It has the ability to charge smartphones up to 200%, provides 300 lumens in light, and can run for up to 100 hours.
Update: October 1, 2018
Our team spoke with Jill Morehead, Mercy Corp's emergency response team leader via a Facebook Live, with viewers tuning in and asking questions throughout the conversation. Jill was able to update us on the conditions on the ground and how the PackLite Hero Superchargers are being used by those who need them. You can watch the video to learn more about the distribution efforts and hear stories from the field.
Update: September 27, 2018
Mercy Corps has received 1,000 PackLite Hero 2-in-1 Superchargers for distribution in North Carolina, with more on the way. This week, they distributed lanterns in Lumberton, New Bern, Havelock, Wilmington, and Jacksonville. The Mercy Corps team also passed on 300 of the lights to the NGO Greene Lamp in Kinston. Their team is focusing on communities in the eastern areas of North Carolina hardest hit by Florence, with an emphasis on reaching socially marginalized populations. In addition to the 2-in-1 solar phone chargers + lanterns, Mercy Corps provides those affected with emergency cash, food, and supplies.
