Community Comes Together to Help Hurricane Victims in Chester County, S.C.
Chester County, S.C. – On a bright Wednesday morning, the skies over Chester County were filled not only with the sounds of aircraft but also with a spirit of generosity and camaraderie. Volunteers from Skydive Carolina gathered at their airstrip, preparing to send relief supplies to those impacted by the recent Tropical Storm Helene.
The Mission Takes Flight
With a Cessna Caravan at their disposal—a plane commonly used for skydiving but perfectly adapted for relief efforts—the group loaded it with essential supplies for the residents in need. Because the Caravan doesn’t have any seats, it offers plenty of room for transporting much-needed provisions. The pilot and a couple of enthusiastic volunteers hopped aboard, ready for their flight to Mountain City, Tennessee, located about 100 miles northeast of Asheville.
The journey didn’t stop there. After dropping off supplies in Mountain City, the crew planned to fly to Statesville to gather even more resources before making their way to western North Carolina. They anticipated making up to eight flights in total, maximizing their outreach during this important mission.
A Personal Connection
Dan Smith, the owner of Skydive Carolina, shared his personal connection to the affected areas. “I went to school there. I have family there; some I can’t get ahold of because they don’t have the service,” he said, with a sense of urgency and determination in his voice. His desire to help was both professional and personal, and the efforts of his crew were a testament to this commitment.
How You Can Help
In the spirit of community, Skydive Carolina has opened its doors for donations. They are accepting contributions for fuel to keep their relief efforts flying. Local residents who wish to support this cause can easily make donations via Venmo at Venmo@skydivecarolina. The aim is to keep their mission going strong, and every bit helps!
Additionally, the team is collecting vital supplies such as bottled water, toiletries, and non-perishable food items until Monday. If you want to help out but aren’t sure where to bring your donations, you can drop them off at their location on King Air Drive. For those in Rock Hill, Yonce Motor on Cherry Road is also a drop-off point for supplies.
Community Spirit in Action
The response to Tropical Storm Helene has brought people together, demonstrating the power of community and the willingness of individuals to step up in times of hardship. Volunteers are transporting resources both by land and air, bringing hope and support to those who need it most. Local partnerships are evolving, and the collective efforts are making a difference in the lives of many.
As the team from Skydive Carolina takes to the skies, their mission is clear: to fill the gap left by the storm and ensure that residents in western North Carolina receive the help they need. It’s a beautiful representation of a community coming together, proving that even small contributions can have a big impact.
