Lorain-Medina Rural Electric and North Central Electric responded to a call for help from a small community in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. The hurricane left families in the rural area cut off from aid, as roads were washed away, creating an urgent need for food, water, and basic supplies.
The FESCO team learned about this situation on Wednesday, October 2. By that evening, they had alerted members, board staff, and community partners through social media and email. Donations began arriving even before offices opened the following morning on Thursday, October 3. Drop-off points were established outside each office to collect items such as water, food, clothing, blankets, and medical supplies. Cash donations were also accepted at each location to purchase additional items needed.
Local businesses contributed pallets of buckets and water along with chainsaws and other tools. Families shared their experiences of receiving help in the past and expressed their desire to pass it forward.
Initially aiming to fill one semi-truck with necessary supplies and equipment, the overwhelming response allowed them to dispatch three semi-trucks full of essentials collected within 72 hours. This significant support enabled the cooperatives to extend aid further to another community in Unicoi County, Tennessee.
A cooperative member remarked on the collective effort: “It was an awesome community and employee effort,” highlighting how everyone came together during this crisis.
For more information or expressions of gratitude for contributions received can be viewed on YouTube through their Thank You videos.
