One local congregation celebrated the first night of Hanukkah by packing much-needed supplies for people impacted by Hurricane Florence.

Rabbi Charles Klein and his congregation at the Merrick Jewish Center packed the donated supplies Sunday for North Carolina residents devastated by the hurricane.

In September, the hurricane killed 53 people, left hundreds of thousands without power and continues to affect neighborhoods and homeowners trying to get back on their feet.

Assistant Rabbi Jack Dermer drove 10 hours to North Carolina to meet with pastors and churches and the people of the Mercy Mission.

The Mercy Mission accepted and distributed the supplies to the hurricane victims Sunday evening.

The Merrick Jewish Center says it hopes to form an ongoing relationship with Mercy Mission.