**WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP)** — Stephanie Parker reflects on the past two months and realizes that without the support of Michael Jordan and the American Red Cross after Hurricane Florence, her family of six would have faced tremendous difficulties. Meeting Jordan on Tuesday filled her with gratitude, leading her to embrace the Charlotte Hornets owner and express her thanks.
“It shows that he hasn’t forgotten about us,” Parker shared with The Associated Press regarding Jordan’s visit to Wilmington, North Carolina. “It shows we are valued.”
Jordan made a return to his hometown, dressed in North Carolina Tar Heels blue, to meet hurricane survivors, many of whom have benefitted from his generous $2 million donation made in September. This contribution included $1 million each to the Red Cross and the Foundation for the Carolinas Hurricane Florence Response Fund.
“I can give money all day long, but at some point, you want them to understand you’re human,” Jordan stated to the AP.
During his visit, Jordan distributed Thanksgiving dinners at a local home improvement store and donated Jordan Brand shoes at a Boys & Girls Club, a place where he spent time as a child.
Parker’s experience reflects the harsh reality that countless hurricane victims across the nation face. After heeding evacuation warnings, she, her husband, and their four young children — aged 3 to 8 — took refuge in a Red Cross shelter. Unfortunately, upon returning, they found their apartment submerged under two feet of water and their minivan crushed by a fallen tree. They remained in shelters for nearly two months and are now staying in a hotel while awaiting permanent housing.
“It’s been incredibly stressful,” she said, taking a deep breath to collect her thoughts. “Initially, it was very hard to come to terms with the fact that we lost everything. However, people like Michael Jordan, who donate to the Red Cross and to those affected by disasters like ours, are an incredible blessing. We are truly thankful.”
Jordan beamed when discussing his encounter with Parker. “You really want to trust that your donations go to the right people,” he explained. “When you see that it helps those in need, it reassures me that I made the right choice.”
The basketball legend expressed his commitment to continue monitoring the recovery efforts from the hurricane and would consider collaborating with others to improve living conditions further.
James Jarvis, the American Red Cross executive director based in Wilmington, mentioned that the organization set aside a $50 million budget specifically for assisting those impacted by Hurricane Florence. At the storm’s peak, the Red Cross provided shelter for over 20,000 individuals across 172 locations and served 1.3 million meals and snacks. They also distributed more than $3.8 million to over 6,500 families to aid in their recovery efforts.
“I wanted to spark the recovery process with my donation,” Jordan remarked. “However, it’s going to take a long time before everything is back to normal. I’ll contribute in any way I can.”
He also hopes that Charlotte’s hosting of the All-Star game in February will serve as an opportunity to garner more financial support for the area.
“I’m confident that the league will have initiatives in place to reach out to this community,” Jordan said. “We plan to do a lot in Charlotte, too. Ultimately, the purpose is to assist others, and I can see this extending to help the Wilmington area.”
Natalie English, president and CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, noted that it is still too early to determine the full extent of the financial damage to the region. However, she believes Jordan’s contributions have left a significant impact on the community.
“It means a great deal to people here that Michael has not forgotten his roots and is actively giving back to help restore the community,” English stated.
Jordan’s generosity is not a fleeting act. Fred Lynch, who coached Jordan during his freshman year on the junior high school basketball team at Laney High School in Wilmington, remarked that he has maintained a connection with the area since leaving to play college basketball at North Carolina. Though Lynch faced only minor damage to his own home, several neighbors suffered complete destruction due to the flooding and wind caused by Hurricane Florence.
Lynch expressed no surprise at Jordan’s commitment to assist Wilmington and the surrounding areas through his donations and time. “From the moment I coached him as a ninth grader, he has always been mindful of others,” Lynch recalled. “He consistently strives to do the right thing and improve himself and his community. That’s the essence of his character throughout his career.”
Michael Jordan returns home, meets with hurricane victims
