TYLER, Texas — Florida residents are either evacuating or preparing for impact as Hurricane Milton makes its way toward Florida.
Despite the distance, East Texans are doing what they can to help. One Tyler couple is using their resources to help those affected by Helene, and now preparing to help after Milton.
Just over a week ago, Ryan and Claire Hall made a post on social media asking for donations for flooding victims in North Carolina. Ever since, they’ve been collecting at their business All Natural Stone & Grass.
"We just posted hey we’re gonna donate some water to get some water, and all the sudden the ball just started rolling and people starting contacting us asking what can we do, it exploded quickly," the Halls said.
Using their own trucks and forklifts from their business, the Hall’s are preparing to deliver their second load to North Carolina– Which will be over 50 tons of various supplies delivered.
"Camping supplies, shovels, blankets, the Rusk volunteer fire department donated a Fire truck. Which is a 3000 gallon water truck because they don’t have any potable water there," Mr. Hall said when naming some of the different donations.
They’re calling what they’re doing, “Operation We The People”.
"We’re not here to say red state, blue state any of that stuff, it’s a state of disaster so right now it’s time to get in there and get these people what they need," Mr. Hall said.
And they’re not planning to stop anytime soon. When asked how many more loads they planned to take to affected areas the Halls responded with:
"As many as we need. Until we’re out. Until they tell us to stop".
They didn’t expect so much support, but they’re thankful because now they can continue to help make a difference.
"Just the outpouring of people in the community not only in East Texas but all over the united states has been a Blessing," Mr. Hall said.
"I just think it’s been really neat to see people from all over the world come together and help people they don’t even know. They lost everything without any warning and there’s been so many selfless acts of people jumping in and doing what’s needed without even being asked for it," Mrs. Hall said.
The Hall’s have left to take another load of supplies to North Carolina. When they return, they’ll begin loading up again, this time for the areas affected by hurricane Milton. If you’d like to make a donation, you can find their website HERE, with their phone number and business address.