WATERFORD, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) – Michiganders are doing everything they can to help with recovery efforts in the South after Hurricane Helene.
One of them, Benny Hunt, embarks on a journey meant to be taken alone. He said he was compelled by videos of the destruction in Asheville, North Carolina, and has the support of the entire Waterford community behind him.
‘They only wanted to sell me one [palette of water] at first and the lady said ‘What are you doing?’. And I said, ‘I’m going to Asheville, North Carolina.’ And she said, ‘How many do you need?'” Hunt said.
One palette of water turned into two, and soon it became three.
When news of Hunt’s mission broke, donations poured in by the tons.
“What started as just two pallets of water turned into a load of approximately 15,000 pounds. Nearly every business in our Waterford community contributed to this effort in some way. It is now called ‘Operation Asheville Drop’ and we are driving directly to Asheville, North Carolina,” he said.
From food to water to hygiene items and clothing, even the trailer he uses to transport all the donations was provided by a close friend and local business owner. Hunt says he was compelled to make a difference, especially after enduring one of the most infamous hurricanes to hit the U.S. while living in Florida 20 years ago.
“I watched Hurricane Katrina rip through the trailer park where I lived in North Fort Meyers. It still hurts because a lot of people don’t understand what it’s like to lose everything,” he said.
Hunt says the support he receives from his home in Waterford means everything.
“I never thought I would see something as beautiful as this happen. Just the outpouring of support. I will never leave this city. I will stay here,” he said.
That is until it’s time to set out to help those who have lost everything.
Hunt says there is still a need for charcoal, propane, sleeping bags, toilet paper and tents. People in the Waterford area have until 10am on Friday to donate whatever they can here at the corner of Voorhees and Draper. That’s when Hunt and his team hit the road.
