SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, Pa. — More than 60 volunteers from Schuylkill County and beyond spent the beginning of last week in North Carolina, helping victims of Hurricane Helene.
"Pure devastation. It was buildings demolished, cars upside down, and rivers that used to be ten feet wide were now 100 feet wide. It was mind-blowing to see some of this stuff," Jeff Dunkel said.
They call it Skook Road Trip Relief. The group raised more than $100,000 to help people affected by the hurricane.
"These people are in desperate need, and we were only a small part of that recovery, but a big impact immediately was needed and welcomed," Andy Wollyung said.
Volunteers arrived in Asheville early Monday morning with seven tractor-trailers filled with supplies. A local church opened its doors for the group to sleep.
"Once we were there, boots on the ground, it was pretty much nonstop all the way through. Very little sleep, a lot of work, and very productive," Dunkel said.
The group prepared more than 10,000 meals in three days.
"1,000 pounds of chicken breast cooked and prepared, 1,600 pounds of pulled pork, 3,000 pounds of turkey, 1,000 pounds of ham, and 1,000 pounds of mashed potatoes," Wollyung said.
Volunteers say this is an experience they will never forget.
"We couldn't have done it without all the volunteers that were there and all the donations from home. There's no credit due to one person in all of this. This was a huge team effort," Wollyung said.
The group is already planning a trip back to North Carolina in the near future.