Ben Madilynn
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – While driving supplies into North Carolina, Omaha resident Brandon Brammer describes the devastation of Helene as putting a house through a paper shredder.
“The water just moved all of that lumber and stuffed it up against everything, it’s really surreal,“ reflects Brammer.
The tragedy sparked an idea and a call to action.
“This was something that they could have never planned for,” said Brammer. “So I thought this was a good time for all of us in the Midwest to step up and help.”
Brammer got quickly to work, coordinating with his dispatcher and other organizations for a “Stuff the Truck” event in Nebraska.
Using a semi truck trailer he owns, Brammer along with family and friends, took donations to help those in need.
“We got in touch with the Cajun Navy, we got in touch with a couple of organizations down there that have big warehouses,” said Brammer.
The Omaha man spoke with Boot Barn in La Vista, securing a collection site. The plan is to collect items from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday then drive the supplies over 16 hours to Flat Rock, North Carolina early Wednesday morning.
On Tuesday, folks stepped up, dropping off water, toiletries, pet food, and more to help people they’ve never met more than a thousand miles away. Ralston residents Faye Christensen donated items along with her friend.
“Mostly food, some blankets, diapers, some cleaning products, I think they need everything. It was fun, it was like Christmas shopping,” said Christensen.
JJ McLaughlin’s son was in Greenville, Tennessee about an hour north of Ashville when Hurricane Helene hit.
“He was without food, water or electricity for about eleven days,” said McLaughlin.
She told 6 news once she learned about the event she reached out to her community. She got the word out during Dunbar days and made a post on Facebook.
“We had a lot of stuff from water to horse food, dog food, cat food, cleaning stuff, diapers, just everything,” said McLaughlin. “We had a lot, it was a great turnout, I am very happy with it.”
Brammer tells 6 news he was very happy with the turnout and is proud to share this experience with his kids. With Hurricane Milton forecasted to make landfall, Brammer tells 6 news he could host a similar event to help with that disaster as well.
There are many ways to help out those affected by hurricane destruction, like through the Salvation Army or United Way.
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