Chicagoans head south to assist in hurricane relief efforts

CHICAGO (WGN) — With Hurricane Milton being upgraded back to a category 5, Chicagoans are making their way South to help in the relief efforts after the devastating effects of two hurricanes hitting the region in a matter of weeks.

“It’s definitely going to be a huge sacrifice,” said Stella Gaytan, President of Bell Fuels. “He was ready to go and felt it was the right thing to do to support in any way we can.”

Bell Fuels is a distribution company based out of Bridgeview and Gaytan is talking about one of her truck drivers, Erik, who is currently en route to Florida with a tanker of fuel.

“We know that fuel is one of the most important products needed while we are out there,” Gaytan said. “We have other drivers ready to be tagged in if Erik needs relief, but we expect to be there as long as we need to be.”

When he arrives in Lake City, Florida, Erik will team up with FEMA workers to help keep generators running for those in need.

Another Chicagoan heading south is community activist Early Walker.

Walker and Vehicle Management Services, a family-owned Chicago company, just sent 50 tow trucks and flatbeds south Monday, with another 20 starting their journey to the same destination Tuesday.

“We are proud of these guys and everyone down there doing this effort. Anything we can do to help those in need right now is something to be proud of,” Walker said.

“There is a dire need for clean up,” Walker added. “The first hurricane hit hard. That’s one of the things – they’re afraid houses and cars can only take so much so, it’s kind of like what’s left.”

Walker’s mission is to help clear debris and move cars after the hurricane hits, along with anything else they can do to help.

“I anticipate our flatbeds will be loaded up with a lot of debris,” Walker said. “They have the capability of lynching things out — trees, cars you name it. They can tow thousands of pounds-worth of equipment.”

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