WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — Beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, anyone who wishes to volunteer to assist with Hurricane Isabel recovery efforts in Wayne County may call (919) 734-7922 to learn about opportunities to serve and be matched with organizations working in their communities.

"We will connect people to the volunteer agencies that need them," said Volunteer Wayne/RSVP director Barbara Stiles. "They can just call us and we'll find something that fits their abilities and at the level they want to be involved."

Mrs. Stiles encouraged Wayne County residents to check on their neighbors, especially the elderly, both before the storm hits and after, as their first volunteer action.

She also emphasized that people should not take on tasks for which they have no experience or training, such as operating equipment with which they are not familiar, and they avoid exceeding their individual physical limits.

"We don't want anyone to be overtaken by enthusiasm and end up injured by a chainsaw or by moving too heavy an object," Mrs. Stiles said. "Your safety as a volunteer, whether you're just helping the lady across the street or working with a crew to clear a road, must come first."

The purpose of the Volunteer Wayne/RSVP Hurricane Isabel Volunteer Response Center is to match volunteers with organizations. Anyone needing assistance should contact the appropriate governmental or community agency.