Heartwarming Community Effort: Locals Rally to Support Hurricane Helene Victims

In the wake of the devastating Hurricane Helene, which has left a trail of destruction across several states, the resilient communities of the Mid-Ohio Valley have come together to provide much-needed aid and support to those affected. Local groups, companies, and schools have mobilized to collect essential supplies and coordinate relief efforts, showcasing the power of community in times of crisis.

Uniting for a Cause: Locals Spearhead Relief Efforts

Marietta Companies Lead the Charge

Marietta-based companies R&J Trucking and Wetz Warehousing have taken the lead in organizing a food and supply drive to assist victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. Jared Pauley, the Plastics Division Operations Manager at R&J Trucking, explains that the initiative was sparked by one of their drivers who has roots in North Carolina and wanted to help. Within 24 hours of posting a call for donations on Facebook, the response was overwhelming, prompting the need for additional trailers to transport the growing collection of supplies.Wetz Warehousing has generously offered two of its trailers and one of its warehouses to store the donations, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the local business community. The donations include a wide range of essential items, such as nonperishable food, water, toiletries, and pet supplies, all of which will be transported to Erwin, Tennessee, where they will be distributed to relief organizations for further distribution.

Veterans Organizations Step Up

The local veteran community has also played a significant role in the relief efforts. AmVets Post 1788 in Marietta has purchased $1,000 worth of nonperishable food and donated it to the cause. Commander Alfred "Gene" Venham has also encouraged other veteran groups, including the Marine Corps League Sergeant Bob O'Malley Detachment 1436, American Legion Post 64, and Disabled Veterans of America Chapter 52, to contribute food and supplies to the drive.Venham emphasizes the importance of the veteran community's involvement, stating, "As a veteran organization, we help people in distress ... we need to jump in to help." The donations collected from these groups will be added to the growing stockpile of supplies destined for the victims of Hurricane Helene.

Schools Join the Effort

The spirit of community support extends to local schools as well. Warren Middle School, Parkersburg Catholic High School, and Waterford Elementary School have all organized their own donation drives, collecting food and supplies that will be delivered to the R&J Trucking and Wetz Warehousing collection points on Friday.Parkersburg Catholic High School teacher Mary Dailey and her students in the National Honor Society have been actively involved in the drive. Dailey explains that one of the parents heard about the Marietta businesses' efforts and sent out an email blast, prompting a generous response from the school community. While they haven't received a large volume of donations yet, Dailey remains hopeful that more will come in the next few days.

Red Cross Encourages Financial Donations and Volunteer Support

The American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley has also been actively involved in the relief efforts. However, the organization is not able to accept physical donations of food and supplies. Instead, they are encouraging financial donations, which will be used for disaster relief efforts.Sharon Kesselring, the Executive Director of the American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley, emphasizes the importance of financial contributions, as they allow the organization to provide the most effective and efficient aid to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Additionally, the Red Cross is seeking volunteers who are willing to deploy for two weeks to assist in shelter operations or cover the duties of those who have been deployed.Kesselring acknowledges the widespread and devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, stating that it is one of the worst disasters the Red Cross has experienced due to the geographical extent of the damage and the number of resources required. She encourages the community to participate in the recovery efforts, whether through financial donations, volunteering, or blood donations, as the disaster has impacted the organization's ability to hold blood drives in certain areas.