Florence, S.C.: Community Rallies Together to Support Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
It’s a tough time for many in the Southeast as they recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. With winds howling and rain pouring, the storm has left its mark across several states, especially in western North Carolina and South Carolina’s Upstate. Amid this chaos, the spirit of community support is shining through, especially in Florence County.
One of the standout heroes in this story is the team at Howe Springs Fire Rescue. Recently, the fire department took on an incredible mission to help those in need in the small community of Swannanoa, North Carolina—a place that, like so many others, felt the full force of the storm.
From Florence to Swannanoa
Florence County shared a heartfelt post on their Facebook page, highlighting the department’s commitment to aiding those affected by the hurricane. Chief Billy Dillon of Howe Springs Fire Rescue said, “What people remember most is someone who helped them in hard times.” It seems that the team has made it their goal to ensure that those in need know they are not alone.
After learning about the struggles that residents in Swannanoa were facing, Chief Dillon and his crew wasted no time. “We wanted to do something,” he explained in a Facebook video. They began a campaign to collect much-needed supplies, reaching out through social media. The response was overwhelmingly positive.
A Heartfelt Response
In less than a week, thanks to the outpouring of generosity from the community, the fire department had managed to fill up two enclosed trailers and stack 14 pallets on a flatbed truck with donations. All of this would soon make its way to the people of Swannanoa, a community with a population of around 5,000.
“That’s what it’s all about. Helping our neighbors, helping people in need,” Dillon noted, emphasizing that while Howe Springs Fire Rescue acted as a collection point, it was the citizens who truly stepped up. He praised residents for their efforts to drive to local stores like Sam’s and Walmart to gather essential items.
Community Involvement
It wasn’t just the fire crew making it happen; it was everyone. “It’s the actual citizens that, they get in their car, they go to Sam’s, they go to Walmart, and they purchase items that are needed,” Dillon said. “Then they drive all the way here and drop it off. We just collect it and take it.” He took a moment to express how proud he was of the community, noting the tremendous amount of work that went into the relief efforts.
It’s clear that without the generous donations, there would have been little to help, and Dillon was quick to recognize that. “If we didn’t have the donations, there wouldn’t have been nothing to take,” he mentioned with a smile.
Continuing the Mission
But the good news doesn’t stop here! Chief Dillon assured everyone that their help won’t be ending anytime soon. He encouraged everyone in Florence and beyond to continue supporting recovery efforts, especially since the storm has tragically claimed more than 230 lives across six states. “We can’t just stop,” said Dillon emphatically. “There’s still a lot of work to be done.”
In times of crisis, it’s often the willingness of individuals to take action that makes the biggest difference. Howe Springs Fire Rescue’s remarkable efforts to collect and deliver supplies show just how powerful community solidarity can be in the face of disaster. Together, they are not just lifting up Swannanoa but also proving that a little kindness goes a long way.
