Lara Trump helps Paws Place shelter by donating money

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WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Brunswick County was hit hard by Hurricane Florence, leaving hundreds without homes due to significant flooding, including the new Paws Place shelter.

Paws Place board member Peggy Durso says the shelter is not in a flood zone, so it didn’t feel the need to get flood insurance.

However, the building had to be gutted after the storm.

“We need all the help we can get because we don’t know if insurance is going to cover us or not because we didn’t have flood insurance," Durso said. “We’re not in a flood zone, like many people."

Wrightsville Beach native Lara Trump made appearances in Brunswick County on Friday and toured Paws Place shelter, where she has a longstanding relationship with Durso.

The no-kill dog shelter endured significant flooding while housing 24 dogs during the hurricane. No dogs were hurt during the storm.

Durso says repairs will cost nearly $100,000.

“It’s been more traumatic than I’ve allowed myself to think about because being here and living it is something entirely different,” Durso said. “Being evacuated by the National Guard, it’s just something you think only happens to other people.”

Trump donated $10,000 from the Trump campaign to help get Paws Place back on its feet.

“It’s a small portion to what they’re going to need ultimately, but it’s just a little something to get them on the way to recovery,” Trump said.

Trump made other appearances at the Brunswick County Animal Shelter and the Brunswick Baptist Association, which is storing food, water and other household supplies for hurricane survivors.