SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, Pa. — Skook Road Trip Relief was formed shortly after Hurricane Helene tore through North Carolina. A group of volunteers wanted to help in every way possible.
In addition to collecting supplies for victims, they prepared and handed out more than 10,000 meals to hurricane victims for the three days they were down there. With the immense need they saw, they are on a mission to do it all again during the holiday season.
Brandon Kopinetz founded the group alongside some childhood friends. He helped cook the meals.
"When we were down there, you see there's hundreds of people still missing, there's thousands of people displaced. They lost their homes and everything, so some are living in tents, and some are living in makeshift shacks and sheds," Kopinetz says.
With winter weather on the horizon, heat is needed. The group says it could be several months before power is restored for some areas of North Carolina.
"And, it could be even longer. We heard up to 12 to 18 months for some of the power. The main infrastructure and the bridges were all out, so until that's all replaced, the power lines can't go in," said Jeffrey Dunkel, another founding member of Skook Road Trip Relief.
The group says it wants to collect 100 propane heaters and 100 camp stoves for hurricane victims. Organizers tell us the community's support has been amazing so far, and they hope to reach this goal soon.
"It's been absolutely amazing, by everybody, how perfect it's been." said a member.
Donations can be dropped off at Hadesty's Hardware in Pottsville. Customers looking to donate can get discounted prices on propane tanks or camp stoves.
Donations will be accepted until Friday, November 8th. For more information on where else you can drop off donations, visit the Skook Road Trip Relief Facebook page by clicking here.