Buchanan Hauling helps with hurricane recovery

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Keep filling the trucks! Buchanan Hauling shared an update to their Hurricane Helene relief efforts on Monday.

Rob Rausch, Chief Operating Officer at Buchanan Hauling, says “The response from the community has been overwhelming. You know, it started slow, but the more it got out, the more media coverage we got, it just turned into something that’s… it’s unbelievable… standing here today at a loss for words…loss for words.”

Rausch says the company is working on filling its fifth truck full of community donations that will go toward those impacted by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. They have been getting a lot of water, pet food, diapers, and clothes. In fact, so many clothes have been donated that they are asking the public to no longer bring clothes, but new pairs of socks and underwear will be accepted.

Here is the full list of items currently being accepted:

• Non-perishable food items
• Sports Drinks (powdered packets)
• Hydration Packs (powder form)
• Baby Wipes
• Diapers (children and adults)
• Baby Formula
• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen
• Plastic Utensils
• Manual Can Openers
• Trash Bags (13 gal. or contractor bags)
• Cleaning Supplies
• Plastic Sheeting/Tarps
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Toiletries/Sanitation Items
• Pet Food (dog & cat)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Sanitizer Wipes
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Heavy Duty Work Gloves
• Socks – All Sizes (unopened)

This donation campaign first started last Wednesday and it is bringing together Buchanan Hauling employees from three different buildings. People have been staying well after hours and working the weekends to take in items.

Donations are still being accepted through Wednesday this week. Stop on by from 8 AM to 5 PM. The drop off location is 5130 Executive Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46808.

If you would rather send along a monetary donation, a Go-Fund-Me has been created. The company’s original goal of $10,000 has already been surpassed. The money will be used to buy more palette of things to donate. Click here to donate.

With another dangerous hurricane on the way in Hurricane Milton, Florida looks to unfortunately be in a lot of need by later this week. For the latest on this powerful hurricane, click here . We are thinking of those who were impacted by Helene and will soon be impacted by Milton this week.

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