Hundreds of community members gathered in Schuylkill County on Sunday night to show their support for volunteers leaving to help the victims of Hurricane Helene, which recently devastated parts of North Carolina.
The event marked the send-off of volunteers and supplies to Asheville, NC, one of the hardest-hit areas by the hurricane’s flooding.
The initiative, known as Skook Road Trip Relief, was launched by four local business owners: Brandon Kopinetz, Jeffrey Dunkel, Jason Bower, and Bobby Weaver, all of whom were motivated to help those suffering in the aftermath of the storm. Through their combined efforts and donations from Schuylkill County, the group raised over $100,000 in donations to aid in the relief efforts.
As the volunteers departed, the streets of Pottsville and Minersville were lined with supporters who cheered them on. A caravan, led by first responders, made its way toward Interstate 81 on Route 901 at the Minersville Exit, where the group began their journey to North Carolina.
Fifty-five volunteers are headed south, with the primary goal of setting up a mobile pantry in Asheville. The pantry is expected to serve more than 5,000 meals to those in need. Additionally, two tractor trailers filled with donated items have already arrived in North Carolina, with more supplies scheduled to arrive later this week.
The group, after days of hard work, plans to return to Schuylkill County on Thursday, October 17th.
