NEWTON COUNTY, Texas — While people in Florida are preparing for Hurricane Milton, Southeast Texans are still helping victims from Hurricane Helene.
Several groups like the American Red Cross Southeast and the Newton Volunteer Fire Department are collecting donations and looking for volunteers to join.
Right now there is a huge need for volunteers to help those still trapped and displaced by Hurricane Helene. Agencies from all over Southeast Texas are asking you to help them help others in need.
"There is an urgent need for volunteers throughout the Texas Gulf Coast, and throughout the nation," said Natalie Warren, the executive director of the American Red Cross Southeast and Deep East Chamber.
Since Hurricane Helene hit, volunteers with the American Red Cross Southeast and Deep East Texas chapter have been on the ground in Ceder Key, Florida.
"Our emergency response vehicle got on the road, with a team, and it's still there today supporting. Handing over 2,500 meals out. It's very active there. And it will stay there and work as the teams take a break, and others go in," Warren said.
As Florida braces to be hit by a second hurricane in two weeks, the nonprofit is keeping their shelters open and need volunteers.
"So many have lost their homes. And have to stay in shelters. They depend on that shelter to keep them safe, and keep their families safe," said Warren.
Meanwhile the Newton Volunteer Fire Department and Jasper County Sheriff's Office are joining forces to collect supplies to send to North Carolina.
"Two county community disaster relief," said Newton Volunteer Fire Department Captain Melanie Smith.
Donations that they are accepting include:
- Pet and livestock supplies
- Socks
- Blankets
- Medicine
- Coats
- Camping supplies
"Because so many people don't have a home. They're living in a tent, are taking tents. So anything that's camping related is helping too," Smith said.
They say they're repaying a favor, because when Harvey hit Southeast Texas, crews from North Carolina's own Newton County Sheriff's Office drove two semi-trucks loaded with supplies to Newton, Texas.
"The sheriff from North Carolina, he brought it himself. He drove all the way down. So we want to try to help them. Even if they don't need it in his area, we want to help someone in North Carolina," Smith said. "We tend to find places that are forgotten. They don't get help, that don't have supplies. Or they're having to travel to Asheville. Do you know Asheville saying we're fine, we're fine. Well what about the little parishes and villages that are not. That haven't been gotten to yet. You know, they're still doing not recovery, but search and rescue."
For those wanting to go help, the Red Cross pays for your flights, hotels and food.
"Volunteers and staff are deployed but we are led by volunteers. And without our volunteers, we cannot push our mission and be everywhere that we are right now helping respond," Warren said.
You can sign up for the Red Cross volunteer training tomorrow morning in Orange by filling out the form here.