In the worst of times, the BEST of Americans comes out... private citizens helping neighbors.

[WarGamer]

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/by-mule-helicopter-volunteers-deliver-aid-helene-victims-2024-10-04/

ASHEVILLE, North Carolina, Oct 4 (Reuters) - An army of private volunteers including mule drivers and helicopter pilots are helping deliver supplies and rescue stranded victims after one of the deadliest storms in recent U.S. history ripped through the mountains of western North Carolina.

One week after Helene slammed into the Florida Panhandle and devastated wide swaths of half a dozen states, untold thousands remained cut off around Asheville, North Carolina, with many roads impassable and telecommunications equipment damaged or destroyed. The mountain communities' isolation has complicated the massive relief effort undertaken by federal, state and local officials.

Aircraft components maker Acme Aero said in a Facebook post it recovered 144 people on Monday, 120 of them over the age of 68. It also planned to deliver up to 200 Starlink satellite systems to rural fire departments.

[WarGamer]

1. It's a well known fact...

For the first 48hrs... you keep yourself alive, then come in the locals and last comes in the Feds.

Not a knock on the Feds, but they're NEVER there first. But they DO come in the heaviest.

[soandso]

2. Those Cajun Navy peeps, too

I know if I were in the dreadful situation that so many are now, I'd take help from wherever I could get it. All of these private helicopter owners are angels and paying for their own fuel. They have smaller coppers are are able able to land in very remote places.

[Tree Lady]

3. I donated supplies to a friend of a friend

that lives in NC and is volunteering. She had us send things to her house from Amazon like paper plates, cups, Gatorade, etc it was delivered Wednesday but what I noticed is it said it was handed directly to resident and resident signed for the delivery.

I have used Amazon many times to send to others, in family, friends and never did anyone have to sign for it. I am thinking if this was a new policy because of the disaster that Amazon set up, good job!