WINDSOR – The generosity of Bertie County citizens and others has led to something of a problem.

On May 21 the Bertie County Board of Commissioners began the process of deciding what to do with the clothing that remains in storage after being donated to help the victims of the April, 2011 tornadoes.

The process began with public input where Linda Harrell of Colerain spoke to the board asking them to donate the baby blankets and any other items that could be used to the Ahoskie Pregnancy Care Center which serves not only Hertford, but also Bertie, Gates and Northampton counties.

“The clothing is sitting there and most of it is still okay right now, but something needs to be done with it,” said Harrell, who was part of a group of volunteers from local churches who sorted the clothing when it was donated.

Harrell said she believed that after sitting for so long some of the clothing was probably already deteriorated to the point it could no longer be used and that it would continue unless the commissioners acted.

Commissioner Norman M. Cherry Sr. asked if the thrift stores and other organizations like those which were operated by churches could use the clothing and if the board could donate the clothing to them.

Harrell said she thought it was the choice of the board members.

Commission Vice Chairman J. Wallace Perry then asked about the Bertie Tornado and Recovery Team, which had come to the board and asked to take possession of the clothing and go in to the old DSS building on Wayland Drive.

Assistant County Manager Misty Deanes said the group had sent a letter advising they were no longer interested in the building and that the matter had been referred to EMS Coordinator Mitch Cooper.

Commission Chairman L.C. Hoggard III then recognized Wanda Vaughan, who serves as Director of the Pregnancy Care Center. She talked about the agency’s mission to serve mothers from pregnancy until the child turns one year old.

She said the Pregnancy Care Center receives no funding from the state or federal government and worked solely on contributions. She said the clothing could be used for children or for expectant mothers if there was appropriate clothing.

Perry said he felt the board needed to “do something with them” and that if they could be put to good use he felt that is why the clothing was donated.

Harrell said if the board wanted to appoint a committee to decide what to do with the clothing she would be willing to serve.

Hoggard then said he would appoint Harrell, Cooper and anyone the two felt were necessary to make the decision.

“You can get together and find out where is the best way to distribute them,” he said.

The board will receive a report once a recommendation is ready.