Jordan visits Hurricane Floyd victims

Michael Jordan, who grew up in nearby Wilmington, walked into the Salvation Army disaster recovery center about 12:30 p.m. and spent 15 minutes listening to the victims' stories, said Salvation Army spokeswoman Amy Carpenter.

"That was a big morale booster for flood victims in the Burgaw area," Carpenter said.

The region was badly flooded when Floyd drenched eastern North Carolina with up to 20 inches of rain Sept. 16. The storm was blamed for at least 49 deaths and is expected to surpass the state's worst-ever natural disaster, Hurricane Fran, which caused $6 billion in damage in 1996.

Carpenter said several of Jordan's cousins have received assistance from the Burgaw center and his aunt volunteered there. The center serves Pender and Duplin counties.

She said Jordan's donation of Hanes underwear -- one of the many products he endorses -- was most welcome.

"Actually that was something we really needed, so that was a big help," Carpenter said.

"If I can bring something good to them, then that's as special to me as it is to them," Jordan said after having his picture taken with three volunteers. "That's worth anything I've made in my whole career."