Collections underway for local hurricane relief efforts

BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) – As the search for victims continues in areas ravaged by Hurricane Helene last week, several local residents are stepping up to donate needed supplies.

Kayla Malone, a nurse in Lisbon and her husband started collecting items earlier this week. Initially, they planned to see if they could fill one of their own cars, but it didn’t take long before they had enough to fill a rented box truck.

“We have medical supplies, food, diapers, hygiene products, cleaning supplies and we are loading up a Penske truck and heading out tonight,” Malone said.

Malone’s husband used to live in North Carolina and the couple has friends in Old Fort and Black Mountain.

At the same time as the Malone’s effort, workers with R&J Trucking in Boardman are filling up a 53-foot trailer with donated supplies to drive south on Friday.

They are hauling everything from dog food and baby wipes to pallets of water. They will join co-workers in Marietta and take the convoy to North Carolina.

“I do believe there are five full semis now that are completely full. Other companies have donated drivers and equipment,” said Andy Straley, with R&J Trucking.

Workers say they’ll continue accepting donations until they leave Friday. Donations can be left at the safety building at 8063 Southern Blvd. in Boardman

Vicki Phillips is also working with other farmers and those who raise larger animals to collect animal feed, hay, hardware, equipment and vet medical supplies. They are using the Stateline Bar and Grill on Route 358 in Greenville, the Tractor Supply location in Greenville and the Agway in Hermitage as drop-off points. The items will be transported as trucks are filled.

“You watch the horses, and they’re in the water. And coming out they are totally exhausted. They’re falling down. They can’t get up,” Phillips said. “We said let’s get together and at least use what we have at home, so we got to the barn, grabbed extra halters, lead ropes, anything that you could get your hands on that you’re not using.”

The unions for the Canfield police and fire departments are also taking donations at the police department and all three fire stations. They hope to send a semi-truck down to the Asheville area by the end of next week. Already, they’ve collected $3,000 in cash.

“They’re gonna need this quick. So, we’re gonna move fast. We are looking at the end of next week to get an R&J trucking semi full and leave possibly Friday or Saturday of next week,” said Chief Chuck Colucci.

Donations can be dropped off at Canfield’s police station or any of the fire department’s three stations in the community.

For those interested in making monetary donations, Nexstar, the parent company of WKBN and WYTV, is collecting donations for the Red Cross.

Donation information can be found here.

Chelsea Simeon contributed to this report.

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