HAYMARKET, Va. (DC News Now) — A few auto shops in Virginia are leading the charge to get much-needed aid to the hardest-hit neighborhoods by Hurricane Helene.
Bull Run 4×4 & Auto Care is spearheading the efforts, asking community members for donations of water, toilet paper, diapers, baby formula, pet food and more. They are then driving a trailer down to Greensboro in North Carolina, where it can be distributed to those in need.
A&N Automotive, Diesel, and Off-Road LLC in Louisa as well as Dirt Nerds Motors in Sterling are also collecting items, in collaboration with Outlaw Offroad in Greensboro.
“We’re somehow all connected in a community,” said Natalia Miller, the co-owner of the Haymarket shop.
Those who donated, and who are organized the drive, said the damage was devastating to see and inspired them to assist.
“I did a Katrina trip very similar to this in 2005, where we brought supplies down and it feels and looks very similar,” said Dave Warner, who donated goods he purchased after raising money.
Miller said it is “heart-wrenching” to see.
“You look at these roads, these buildings, these businesses, homes, and I can’t even imagine that amount of destruction in this community that we live in,” Miller said.
While the trailer is nearly full of donations, the crews organizing said they are still accepting and hoping for items on Wednesday. They plan to drive down once the trailer is full, and possibly organize a second trip to North Carolina with additional supplies.
“It warms my heart,” Stephanie Williams, who also donated, said. “It’s really restoring my faith in this community, to see everybody coming together.”
