EAST JORDAN — A small grassroots efforts by Northern Michigan first responders has turned into three trailers full of donations for people impacted by Hurricane Helene.
A few members of the Jordan Valley EMS Authority decided to start a drive on social media over the weekend, hoping to fill a trailer with food, water and supplies to help people impacted in Asheville, North Carolina.
One of the organizers, EMT Andrea Seese, said the community came out in droves and they had enough to fill three trailers. The first load has already left for the impacted area, leaving early Monday morning.
“When something like this happens, everybody wants to help, but we’re small communities up here. I mean, we’re in Northern Michigan. We’re a distance, you know, we’re spaced out. They were just so appreciative that we gave them an opportunity to support those in need. I think it meant a lot not only to our local community, but those around us as well,” said Seese.
Seese said people came as far away as Petoskey, Charlevoix, Boyne City, and even people from Detroit that had summer cottages in the area.
At least 232 deaths have been reported from Helene, which makes it the second most deadly hurricane to hit the U.S. in the past half-century.