Gilmer County citizens filled up more than two tractor-trailers with supplies for hurricane relief.
“We may be a small community, but we’ve got a huge heart,” said Gilmer County Fire Chief Daniel Kauffman. “I’ve been more than proud of a community that stepped up in a big way.”
Gilmer County Fire and Rescue, Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office and Gilmer County EMA decided to team up to collect supplies for residents of Georgia who were affected by Hurricane Helene.
“We have talked to officials in south Georgia, and they are begging for water, so let’s join together and help south Georgia out,” said Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson in an alert on the department’s app. “We are aware that other counties are sending items to North Carolina, and we understand there is a local drive to assist Florida and North Carolina. These states are absolutely in need; however, we are focusing on our neighbors in south Georgia.”
Originally, the groups thought they would fill up a box truck. Then supplies began rolling in, and 12 hours after they started, they realized they were going to need a bigger truck.
Division Chief of EMS Will Sergent said Rabbit Transport stepped up and volunteered a tractor and trailer. Eventually the company would add a second trailer.
A bay was cleared out at Fire Station One to receive supplies. People would pull in and off-load their items and drive out, he said.
“I want to thank everyone here at Gilmer Fire, the Sheriff’s Office and EMA,” Sergent said. “But, I want to thank the community for stepping up.”
Eventually, two tractor and trailers plus an extra trailer and car full, were filled with water, canned food, pet food, cleaning supplies, hygiene supplies, paper products and tarps.
A small load of bottled water went to Augusta. The area was not set to receive a tractor-trailer load of supplies said Gilmer County Emergency Management Director Sharon Courson, so the two tractor and trailers were sent to Dublin and Baxley. From there, supplies were spread out to Wayne County, Telfair County and Pierce County.
Deliveries began Friday, Oct. 4, and continued throughout the weekend.
“The south Georgia area was desperate for paper supplies, toiletries, personal hygiene and baby items,” Courson said.
She spoke to the EMA director of Telfair who said 40 to 60 percent of his county was still without power and many roads were still impassable.
“I have seen so much devastation driving down,” Courson said.
Lots of emotions welled up for Courson.
“For me being new, it was a great example of how all the agencies pull together and work for a common goal,” she said. “It was a great experience for me. I couldn’t be more proud to be part of a community that has so generously donated to help others in need.”