Camp Cedar Cliff to take in over 200 Hurricane Irma refugees

Camp Cedar Cliff is planning to take in 228 people, 22 dogs, two horses and a cat, all fleeing southern Florida ahead of the storm. Of the 228 the camp plans to house, they said 63 of them are children.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) - A local campground is preparing to shelter hundreds of Hurricane Irma refugees in the coming days and is asking for the public's help with donations.

Camp Cedar Cliff is planning to take in 228 people, 22 dogs, two horses and a cat, all fleeing southern Florida ahead of the storm. Of the 228 the camp plans to house, they said 63 of them are children.

Camp Director Tim Brady said he and his staff came up with the idea to provide free lodging and meals for those in the path of Irma. Brady said many restaurants and companies are donating to the cause.

The camp will utilize 28 cabins to house the evacuees and said they will make room for more people if needed.

Brady said they plan to open the pool, climbing wall and zipline -- all to make the experience as fun and low-stress as possible.

Camp Cedar Cliff is collecting donations and has a list of needed items to help Irma evacuees. Visit the camp's website to learn how you can help.

News 13's Kimberly King will have a full report on this story starting at 5 p.m.