ROCKFORD, Mich. —
Rockford resident Eric King saw the devastation from Hurricane Helene and knew he had to help. Nearly two weeks later, he’s still gathering and sending donations to those most impacted in the Carolinas.
“It just got way bigger than I ever thought,” King said.
Even though the focus has shifted to the devastation left by Hurricane Milton this week, King said the situation left from Helene is still dire.
“These mountains are bad. I've seen mudslides and water levels up to the second story on houses down there. It was horrible.”
King drives the supplies personally down south, where he works with a private company that airlifts the donations to areas that are isolated from washed-out roads and broken infrastructure.
"They're airlifting everything in to people that are stranded and cannot get to anyone," he said. "So these supplies are all going directly to the front lines."
What started as animal supply donations has now transformed into diabetic medicine, sleeping bags, generators and propane tanks.
"These people need jackets, rubber boots, hats, gloves, tents, even mattresses," King said. "I mean, that's how bad it is. "
He’s planning on sending a few more loads down but is looking for truck donations to be able to send more. So far, two semi-loads have been unloaded, one is going down Thursday, and another group is leaving this weekend.
King is collecting supplies from Ionia County Animal Shelter, American Classic Roofing and Noah Project. He said every donation that's going to the affected areas counts.