‘Absolute devastation’: Warren’s generosity brings relief to Hurricane Helene victims
The collection efforts began as a thought Bob Borden had to drive down with his camper and some supplies. It quickly turned into a community-wide drive for supplies to send with him.
The trip, with some room for supplies in Borden’s vehicle and camper, turned into a group of five traveling with a 53-foot tractor-trailer full of pallets of the donations that the Warren County community poured into Loringer International.
They made their way to Tennessee and arrived in Newport around 2 a.m. on Monday, October 7. The group collaborated with Graystone Ministries in Newport to ensure that aid reached those most needed.
When daylight came on Monday, they unloaded the 53-foot trailer of supplies to organize and distribute.
“They are all so grateful for the help. They couldn’t believe a small county like Warren, Pa., would make the trip with a tractor-trailer of supplies,” said Borden.
Cassandra Brooks said the group from Warren County helped the supply center organize and run effectively.
“We didn’t know what we were doing, but we just sorted and labeled supplies, and by the time we left that location, they had a streamlined process complete with forms residents could fill out their needs for volunteers to gather.
Tuesday was spent making deliveries to local areas in need. Then, the group moved to Hartford, Tenn., to assist the Grassy Fork Fire Department Stations.
“Green Mountain, North Carolina, has suffered absolute devastation. It is a very rural area with residents who are resilient but stubborn when it comes to accepting help,” said Paul Morelli, another Warren County resident from the group.
Green Mountain, N.C., has not only suffered destruction and loss of structures and roads, but they are still searching for missing residents. The most recent death toll, which only includes those who have been recovered and identified, is over 200.
“They found nine bodies when we were there on Wednesday along the river using cadaver dogs,” said Brooks.
“The sheriff said take the nine and add two zeros. That is what we are most likely looking at for a final death toll,” said Morelli.
With water levels over 39 feet deep and another 6-8 feet of debris, the amount of mud and silt has buried many of the missing are assumed to be under very hard-to-dig ground.
Green Mountain Station 1 was being run solely by cadets. There was one 18-year-old, and the rest were all under 18. “They were incredible,” said Morelli.
The teens found a way to get supplies and food to the residents who were hesitant to accept assistance. They would wait until nightfall and leave supplies at the residents’ homes without being seen.
“They were basically ding-dong ditching them with assistance. It was brilliant,” said Morelli.
Brooks suggests that future donations be made to the area through monetary contributions or clean-up efforts.
“They are grateful for everything they have received. There was an outpouring of donations from around the country,” said Brooks, “now, they have more specific needs.”
“Some need insulin, some need very specific baby formula, things that if they had monetary donations, they could purchase what residents need,” said Morelli.
Morelli and Brooks recommend that if you would like to contribute monetary support, finding a fire hall in the hard-hit areas would benefit the devastated communities.
“In Tennessee, we worked with the Grassy Fork Fire and Rescue in Hartford, Centerville Fire Department, and Green Mountain, North Carolina. The communities will have needs well into the future,” said Morelli.
“There are scams out there–we have seen them–so just make sure it’s a legitimate community center or fire department before deciding where to send donations,” said Brooks.
Brooks also stated, “They have received so many clothes. We had to search for places to take clothing donations because all the facilities had plenty of clothes.”
“If you want to help with clean-up efforts, have a plan. Get in touch with a fire department in the area you are heading to see what they need,” said Brooks.