STROUDSBURG, Pa. — A tractor-trailer is parked in the Home Depot parking lot in Stroudsburg, but it's not here for a store delivery. It's awaiting a donation drive organized by WS Design and Build in Stroudsburg to help the people of Asheville, North Carolina, who were hit by Hurricane Helene.
"Our family was actually out in Asheville in the beginning of August. We were there for vacation, so we hiked the hills of Chimney Rock, and we went gem mining on this one road that's completely washed out; the buildings are gone, the roads are gone," said Alicja Snyder, office manager of WS Design and Build,
WS Design obtained the trailer with the help of G2mobile Structures, a North Carolina-based company. On Saturday, they hope to fill it.
"I've never done anything like this, getting this close to the front lines of something with disaster relief, and it is really stunning how people come together so quickly," said Sean Johnstone with G2mobile Structures.
"We work with Home Depot all of the time, ordering materials and things like that, so we asked them, 'Hey, we have a 53-foot truck that we got privileges to use. Is it okay if we park it in your lot so we have a place to fill it," explained Snyder.
Organizers will collect food, personal care, baby items, and cold-weather gear.
"The main supplies we are looking for are kerosene heaters, generators, power extension cords, new blankets, new sleeping bags, and coats," said Johnstone.
The drive will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Home Depot in Stroudsburg.
Johnstone will drive from the Poconos to Asheville, North Carolina, on Sunday.