GRAND CHUTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — An effort is underway in the Fox Valley to help deliver relief to areas of the country ravaged by recent hurricanes.
A semi truck trailer is collecting supplies at the American Legion Post 38 parking lot in Grand Chute.
Not long into Tuesday morning’s collection drive, Angie Cousineau delivered bags filled with sheets, towels, blankets, and more.
“It’s the least that we can do. There’s no reason why, just because we’re thousands of miles away, that we can’t help those that are in need at this time,” said Angie Cousineau, Larsen.
A few minutes earlier, Sue Wegner dropped off three hand-made quilts.
“I had them. They’re in my stash. It was leftover fabric, and it was time to take them off the shelf, and put them to good use,” said Sue Wegner, Oshkosh.
The hurricane relief drop-off site is open for business. Basic household items are needed. Volunteer Lee Behnke is coordinating the effort at the American Legion Post 38.
“It’s kind of a conjunction with Big Iron Trucking, and Nelson Trucking. Nelson’s supplying the trailers. Big Iron is supplying the trucks. As long as we can fill the trailers, they’re going to keep hauling them. I just thought it was incredible, and I just wanted to be a part of it,” said Lee Behnke, Hurricane Collection Drive Volunteer.
Back-to-back hurricanes left their marks on parts of the southeastern United States. The truck is headed to the Carolinas. Behnke says he knows the region well.
“I personally lived in South Carolina, and I got friends and family that live in Florida. To see the towns that I’ve visited or stayed at completely wiped off the map, it’s just, I can’t imagine what they’re going through,” he said.
“You just feel bad. You saw the destruction and I just, I couldn’t believe it,” said Wegner.
“My nephew actually goes to school in Banner Elk, North Carolina, and he was evacuated for the hurricane. So yeah, if this goes to the Carolinas, then that would even be better yet,” said Cousineau.
Volunteers say the truck collection drive will continue at least through the weekend.
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