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Columbia County communities and businesses come together for Hurricane Helene victims

Newswatch 16's Mackenzie Aucker talked with volunteers who say the devastation hits close to home.
Credit: WNEP

ORANGEVILLE, Pa. — Donations are pouring in, and the phone is ringing off the hook here at the Tom Bowman Trucking Company near Orangeville. 

This is all to help those cleaning up after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the South. Many people from our area, like Roger Woodruff, are giving what they can.

"We only brought a little, but it takes a lot, so but they are doing good here, stuff we wouldn't think of like those wheelchairs and stuff like that that's something you don't think of," said Roger Woodruff, Elysburg. 

Some people in the area are no strangers to flooding that's why they've decided to donate.

"We farmed all our life, so we know how tough things can get, so I really feel for those people down there that they have next to nothing. Of course, they're having a little more than they had, but it's kind of hard if you have nothing to start with, so we appreciate them too," said Woodruff. 

Debbie Thomas, a volunteer, feels the impact of Hurricane Helene close to home, which is why she's volunteering her time. 

"On the other end at Charlotte, my kids have a lot of friends, their parents, who are elderly, and they are without everything. It is so sad, and they were transporting what they could with four-wheelers," said Thomas. 

Thomas says she and her children are amazed by the support they have received from their small community in Columbia County.

"From such a small area, 400 people, just in this town, but the communities around have really stepped up to the plate and the businesses."

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