MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WVRC Media and Titan Roofing extend heartfelt thanks to our listeners and convey appreciation from Hurricane Helene victims of Burnsville, North Carolina, for an unbelievably showing of support over a five-hour period.
Titan Roofing owner James Sanders said listeners flooded two locations last Thursday and overwhelmed the initial 26-foot truck and two trailers planned for the event.
“It’s estimated somewhere between $500,000 and $600,000 worth of materials and supplies,” Sanders said. “It totaled to be 3 complete 26-foot U-Haul trucks and 12 trucks and trailers.”
Just like WVRC Media listeners, Sanders said his employees quickly volunteered and not only drove the supplies to the area but went to work when they arrived. On the ground, the team of volunteers fanned out to either distribute the donations or help local residents and first responders.
“We took about 25 people down with us,” Sanders said. “So, some of us staged materials and supplies, and the rest of us went out side-by-side with EMTs to try to get up into the hollers to do well-checks and things like that.”
Burnsville residents, who in many cases lost everything, were surprised yet very appreciative of the much needed chainsaws, water, cleaning supplies, first aid items, hygiene items, and plastic sheeting and tarps.
“They were amazed we were down there from West Virginia, and they were so supportive,” Sanders said. “They were in shock, and a lot of them said we haven’t seen any state or federal officials; it’s you guys or neighbors from other states.”
Sanders said the narrow creeks became two times as wide with flood water washing out private access bridges to homes. As much as six feet of water has completely washed out homes, businesses, roads, and vital bridges to get to storm victims.
“If you were down by a river, it was total devastation; we’re talking two-lane roads down to a half of a road, sometimes none at all,” Sanders said. “Bridges that were probably spanning a river 150 feet wide were completely gone into the riverbed.”
Sanders said they will likely plan a return trip in November to help Helene victims with the next phase of recovery. The next donation drive will focus on camp stoves, winter clothing, and sleeping bags.
“They’re in complete shock, but they were very thankful,” Sanders said. “A lot of hugs and a lot of tears, but it really refreshed you to see the humanity that was down there being delivered by the people.”